telescope

1 of 2

noun

tele·​scope ˈte-lə-ˌskōp 

often attributive

1

: a usually tubular optical instrument for viewing distant objects by means of the refraction of light rays through a lens or the reflection of light rays by a concave mirror compare reflector, refractor

2

: any of various tubular magnifying optical instruments

3

: radio telescope

telescope

2 of 2

verb

telescoped; telescoping

intransitive verb

1

: to become forced together lengthwise with one part entering another as the result of collision

2

: to slide or pass one within another like the cylindrical sections of a collapsible hand telescope

3

: to become compressed or condensed

transitive verb

1

: to cause to telescope

2

: compress, condense

Synonyms of telescope

Verb

• compress
• compact
• narrow (down)
• capsule
• condense
• squeeze
• pack

Examples of telescope in a Sentence

Noun

The rings of Saturn can be seen through a telescope.

Verb

for dramatic purposes, the film telescopes the years over which the events occurred into a few short months

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The aim of the telescopes was to provide continuous coverage of the sky from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, using identical telescopes with adaptive optics and the capability to conduct near-infrared wide-field surveys. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 26 Nov. 2025

The Dwarf mini smart telescope is up for pre-order now priced at US$399 (though a 10% discount is currently applied at checkout). —New Atlas, 21 Nov. 2025

Verb

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

Everything else works exceptionally well, from the smooth telescoping handle to the easy-gliding wheels, which maneuvered silently across carpet, flooring, and concrete. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin telescopium, from Greek tēleskopos farseeing, from tēle- tele- + skopos watcher; akin to Greek skopein to look — more at spy

First Known Use

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1866, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing telescope

• Cassegrainian telescope
• Cassegrain telescope
• radio telescope
• reflecting telescope
• refracting telescope

Rhymes for telescope

• antelope
• bronchoscope
• cantaloupe
• cystoscope
• endoscope
• envelope
• epitope
• gyroscope
• horoscope
• isotope
• microscope
• misanthrope

Kids Definition

telescope

1 of 2 noun

tele·​scope ˈtel-ə-ˌskōp 

: a tubular instrument for viewing distant objects (as objects in outer space) by focusing light rays with mirrors or lenses

telescope

2 of 2 verb

telescoped; telescoping

1

: to slide or cause to slide one within another like the cylindrical sections of a hand telescope

2

: to run together like the sections of a telescope