telescopic

adjective

tele·​scop·​ic ˌte-lə-ˈskä-pik 

1

a

: of, relating to, or performed with a telescope

b

: suitable for seeing or magnifying distant objects

2

: seen or discoverable only by a telescope

telescopic stars

3

: able to discern objects at a distance

4

: having parts that telescope

telescopically

ˌte-lə-ˈskä-pi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of telescopic in a Sentence

The rifle has a telescopic sight.

Recent Examples on the Web

The telescopic handle is widened for grip, and the wheels are enlarged and made from shock-absorbent material that rolls quietly. —John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026

Suspension duties are handled by 33-mm upside-down telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock, carried over unchanged from the standard R trim. —New Atlas, 27 May 2026

This is the last month (until September) in which this biggest of planets is high enough in a dark sky to permit crisp telescopic views of its cloud patterns and four big satellites. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 2 May 2026

The wheels glide smoothly and quietly, and the telescopic handle extends and retracts seamlessly—even when the case is fully packed. —Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for telescopic

• allotropic
• arthroscopic
• barotropic
• cystoscopic
• endoscopic
• gyroscopic
• hygroscopic
• isentropic
• isotopic
• isotropic
• macroscopic
• microscopic

Kids Definition

telescopic

adjective

tele·​scop·​ic ˌtel-ə-ˈskäp-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or performed with a telescope

2

: seen or discoverable only by a telescope

telescopic stars

3

: able to discern objects at a distance

telescopic vision

4

: having parts that telescope

telescopically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb