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

In Virginia-class SSNs, traditional periscopes have been supplanted by two photonics masts that host visible and infrared digital cameras atop telescoping arms. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 23 Nov. 2025

Nikola Jokić is a time-bending honey drip with periscope vision. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025

This image captured through a submarine periscope shows a hit on a sea target after a United States B-2 bomber drops a QUICKSINK bomb over the Norwegian Sea on September 3, 2025. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

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