optical

adjective

op·​ti·​cal ˈäp-ti-kəl 

1

: of or relating to the science of optics

2

a

: of or relating to vision : visual

b

: visible sense 1

optical wavelength

c

: of, relating to, or being objects that emit light in the visible range of frequencies

an optical galaxy

d

: using the properties of light to aid vision

an optical instrument

3

a

: of, relating to, or utilizing light especially instead of other forms of energy

optical microscopy

b

: involving the use of light-sensitive devices to acquire information for a computer

optical character recognition

4

: of or relating to optical art

optically

ˈäp-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• optic
• visual

Examples of optical in a Sentence

The company manufactures microscopes, telescopes, and other optical instruments.

an optical illusion that fools most people

Recent Examples on the Web

This structural compatibility facilitates simultaneous quantum operations and permits smooth integration with current optical systems. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025

The show at The Venetian Expo showcased the latest technology, innovation, education and trends shaping the optical sector. —Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025

Its orbit extended halfway to the moon, giving astronomers a view roughly 100,000 times sharper than typical optical images. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2025

Lately, partnerships with the likes of the Kingsman series of films, skatewear brand Palace, jeweler The Great Frog, and watchmaker Breitling have helped spread word about the brand beyond the optical world. —Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing optical

• electro-optical
• magneto-optical
• optical activity
• optical art
• optical bench
• optical disc
• optical fiber
• optical glass
• optical illusion
• optical rotation

Rhymes for optical

• synoptical

Kids Definition

optical

adjective

op·​ti·​cal ˈäp-ti-kəl 

1

: relating to optics

2

: of or relating to vision

3

a

: of, relating to, or using light

an optical telescope

b

: involving the use of a device that senses light to acquire information for a computer

an optical scanner

optically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

optical

adjective

op·​ti·​cal ˈäp-ti-kəl 

1

: of or relating to the science of optics

2

a

: of or relating to vision : visual

b

: using the properties of light to aid vision

an optical instrument

3

: of, relating to, or utilizing light

optical microscopy