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

Missions to Mars have looked for signs of photosynthesis – the process by which plants take in energy – and telescopes peering deep into space look for oxygen, which organisms on Earth release into the atmosphere. —Mary Magnuson, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026

However, scientists believe that these elusive particles, which are entirely invisible to traditional telescopes and sensors, are constantly passing through Earth, but their signals are incredibly faint. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 18 Mar. 2026

Verb

And then last year, the uncertainty of tariffs threatened the product's financially viability because of the aluminum parts in the telescoping rod. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026

Worth checking out This multipurpose squeegee works as a window-cleaning tool, car window washer and mirror cleaner all in one, with a telescoping design for extended reach. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2026

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