1
: the science or process of telemetering data
2
: data transmitted by telemetry
3

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Telemetry is used to obtain data on the internal functioning of missiles, rockets, unmanned planes, satellites, and probes, providing data on such factors as position, altitude, and speed as well as conditions like temperature, air pressure, wind speed, and radiation. Weather forecasters rely on telemetry to map weather patterns. Astronauts on the space shuttle are monitored with telemetry that measures and transmits readings on their blood pressure, respiration, and heart rates. Similar kinds of telemetry are used by biologists to study animals in the wild and keep track of their populations and movements. Telemetry is also widely used in modern agriculture, often to regulate irrigation.

Examples of telemetry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The digital telemetry monitor logs over 80 driving telemetry points per second including live motor temperatures, side-slip angles and brake pressure curves to offer real-time tutorial graphics to help drivers adjust their driving lines. — New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026 Building on their inaugural 2025 season, the drivers will benefit from a new initiative this year, receiving direct technical mentorship from Oracle Red Bull Racing Sim Racing engineers to analyze telemetry data and optimize track performance. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026 Throughout the flight, Strato sends real-time telemetry to its operator, including altitude, wind conditions, temperature, and icing alerts. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026 Start with the business use case; quantify value across automation, revenue, risk reduction, regulatory impact and customer outcomes; and then compare it with the full AI cost across infrastructure, security, telemetry, controls and operations. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for telemetry

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of telemetry was in 1865

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Cite this Entry

“Telemetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telemetry. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

telemetry

noun
1
: the process of transmitting data by telemeter
2
: data transmitted by telemetry

Medical Definition

telemetry

noun
plural telemetries
1
: the science or process of telemetering data
2
: data transmitted by telemetry
3

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