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

The Pentagon released periscope video of the attack showing a ship that experienced a massive explosion to its stern, as well as what appeared to be still frames showing the ship sinking beneath the waves. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026

Low and invisible ambient light under stormy skies typically drowns out the light that coronae emit in the visible spectrum our eyes can see, so their camera and periscope system made that lower light more visible. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 25 Feb. 2026

The scoot sports periscope-type front suspension, paired with adjustable straight-barrel damping to the rear. —New Atlas, 17 Feb. 2026

The setup includes a main sensor, an ultrawide macro lens, and a 3x periscope telephoto camera. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 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