theodolite
noun
the·od·o·lite
thē-ˈä-də-ˌlīt 
: a surveyor's instrument for measuring horizontal and usually also vertical angles
Examples of theodolite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Historically, measurements have generally been made from a distance with theodolites.
—
Eric Gilbertson,
The Conversation,
4 Dec. 2025
Lyra used a state-of-the-art theodolite, a precision instrument that computes angles in both the horizontal and vertical planes, and Rondon had a compass and a barometer to gauge the river’s altitude above sea level.
—
Larry Rohter,
Smithsonian Magazine,
3 Apr. 2023
The theodolite is used to measure angles and geographical locations for missile launchers.
—
Ryan King,
Washington Examiner,
4 Jan. 2023
Washburn used a 40-pound surveying instrument called a theodolite to measure the angles between each of the control points, providing him with the relative position and height of each set of points.
—
Frederick Reimers,
Outside Online,
26 Feb. 2019
On the surface, workers affix optical prisms to surrounding buildings, and then a surveying instrument known as a theodolite bounces laser beams between the prisms, monitoring their precise locations as the tunnel is bored.
—
IEEE Spectrum,
24 Mar. 2016
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Eric Gilbertson,
The Conversation,
4 Dec. 2025
Lyra used a state-of-the-art theodolite, a precision instrument that computes angles in both the horizontal and vertical planes, and Rondon had a compass and a barometer to gauge the river’s altitude above sea level.
—
Larry Rohter,
Smithsonian Magazine,
3 Apr. 2023
The theodolite is used to measure angles and geographical locations for missile launchers.
—
Ryan King,
Washington Examiner,
4 Jan. 2023
Washburn used a 40-pound surveying instrument called a theodolite to measure the angles between each of the control points, providing him with the relative position and height of each set of points.
—
Frederick Reimers,
Outside Online,
26 Feb. 2019
On the surface, workers affix optical prisms to surrounding buildings, and then a surveying instrument known as a theodolite bounces laser beams between the prisms, monitoring their precise locations as the tunnel is bored.
—
IEEE Spectrum,
24 Mar. 2016
Cite this Entry
“Theodolite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theodolite. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
theodolite
noun
the·od·o·lite
thē-ˈäd-ᵊl-ˌīt
: a very precise surveyor's transit
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