periscope

noun

peri·​scope ˈper-ə-ˌskōp 

: a tubular optical instrument containing lenses and mirrors by which an observer obtains an otherwise obstructed field of view

Illustration of periscope

Examples of periscope in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dazzle camouflage was most effective in World War I, when most sailors were using basic periscopes and optical range finders to find their targets. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 May 2026

Gray ships were easily seen in profile against the sky and horizon by U-boat periscopes—was there a better color to paint them to help camouflage them from attack? —Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026

Gray ships were easily seen in profile against the sky and horizon by U-boat periscopes — was there a better color to paint them to help camouflage them from attack? —Kory Stamper, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026

The front windshield has a border that narrows your field of view, like looking through a submarine periscope, and takes some time to get used to. —Jesus R. Garcia, Houston Chronicle, 15 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for periscope

• antelope
• bronchoscope
• cantaloupe
• cystoscope
• endoscope
• envelope
• epitope
• gyroscope
• horoscope
• isotope
• microscope
• misanthrope

Kids Definition

periscope

noun

peri·​scope ˈper-ə-ˌskōp 

: an instrument containing lenses and mirrors by which an observer (as on a submerged submarine) can get a view that would otherwise be blocked

periscopic

ˌper-ə-ˈskäp-ik

adjective