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

Unique dual-periscope zoom system. —Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025

There is no equivalent to the 5x periscope telephoto lens on Samsung's flat flagship. —ArsTechnica, 31 July 2025

The camera bump on the back, which arguably spoils the svelte form, houses a 50-megapixel main shooter, a 64-MP periscope telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom, and a 50-MP ultrawide. —Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 12 July 2025

The periscope camera has an aperture of f/2.68 and also supports OIS, EIS, and autofocus, and includes 3x optical zoom, 6x digital zoom, and 60x ultra hybrid zoom. —Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 1 July 2025

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