range finder

noun

1

: an instrument used in gunnery to determine the distance of a target

2

: a surveying instrument (such as a transit) for determining quickly the distances, bearings, and elevations of distant objects

3

: a usually built-in adjustable optical device for focusing a camera that automatically indicates the correct focus (as when two parts of a split image are brought together)

Examples of range finder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the authors of this study were aided by using laser range finders, which are tools golfers use to find how far the hole is, Menezes added, enabling them to measure the volume of the birds’ songs and the distance at the same time. — Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026

The figure features Boba Fett's signature Mandalorian armor, a swiveling helmet range finder, jetpack, blaster and a fabric cape. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026

The legal filings also note that authorities observed Crooks acting erratically, using a range finder, and becoming the subject of a search in the hours leading up to the shooting. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for range finder

• binder
• blinder
• grinder
• kinder
• minder
• pinder
• bookbinder
• factfinder
• pathfinder
• reminder
• sidewinder
• viewfinder

Kids Definition

range finder

noun

: a device used to find out the distance of an object (as a target)