telemetry

noun

te·​lem·​e·​try tə-ˈle-mə-trē How to pronounce telemetry (audio)
1
: the science or process of telemetering data
2
: data transmitted by telemetry
3
telemetric adjective
telemetrically adverb

Did you know?

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Today, computer simulation and reams of telemetry data speed up designs and eliminate most of the guesswork. Thomas Black, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026 Today, computer simulation and reams of telemetry data speed up designs and eliminate most of the guesswork. Thomas Black, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026 The radio bands serve as a fallback since the company also has authorization to use the 2000 MHz bands for satellite tracking and telemetry. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026 Around 105 juvenile Atlantic salmon were monitored in Sweden’s Lake Vättern for eight weeks using acoustic telemetry and slow-release implants. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Telemetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telemetry. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

telemetry

noun
te·​lem·​e·​try tə-ˈlem-ə-trē How to pronounce telemetry (audio)
1
: the process of transmitting data by telemeter
2
: data transmitted by telemetry

Medical Definition

telemetry

noun
te·​lem·​e·​try tə-ˈlem-ə-trē How to pronounce telemetry (audio)
plural telemetries
1
: the science or process of telemetering data
2
: data transmitted by telemetry
3
telemetric adjective
telemetrically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on telemetry

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster