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
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
But that's no reason to overlook these optical devices; the best monoculars are even more portable than binoculars or telescopes, and can be popped into a pocket with ease.
—
Chris McMullen, Space.com, 20 Dec. 2025
How does emphasizing optical frames alongside sunglasses for the product mix bring stability to align with consumer trends?
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Dec. 2025
Multiple missions have observed the object in optical, infrared and radio wavelengths of light — and recently, scientists captured their first glimpses in X-rays to and discovered new details.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025
Susquehanna initiates Fabrinet at positive Susquehanna says the semiconductor optical manufacturer is well positioned.
—Michael Bloom, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optical
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Chris McMullen, Space.com, 20 Dec. 2025
How does emphasizing optical frames alongside sunglasses for the product mix bring stability to align with consumer trends?
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Dec. 2025
Multiple missions have observed the object in optical, infrared and radio wavelengths of light — and recently, scientists captured their first glimpses in X-rays to and discovered new details.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025
Susquehanna initiates Fabrinet at positive Susquehanna says the semiconductor optical manufacturer is well positioned.
—Michael Bloom, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optical
Cite this Entry
“Optical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optical. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Medical Definition
optical
adjective
op·ti·cal
ˈäp-ti-kəl
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