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

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.
Managing how contracts expose token-level telemetry takes no new literacy, but gains you more visibility into AI value. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 Today's sensor-heavy vehicle architectures rely on CAN FD to instantly transmit high-speed telemetry across complex safety and radar systems. New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026 Following an emergency order, the company would need to preserve model weights and system telemetry. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Privacy and data-use risk arises when sensitive disclosures become product telemetry. Muhamad Aly Rifai, Forbes.com, 31 July 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 5 Aug. 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

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!