binocular

adjective
bin·​oc·​u·​lar | \ bī-ˈnä-kyə-lər How to pronounce binocular (audio) , bə-\

Definition of binocular

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: of, relating to, using, or adapted to the use of both eyes

binocular

noun
bin·​oc·​u·​lar | \ bə-ˈnä-kyə-lər How to pronounce binocular (audio) , bī-\

Definition of binocular (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a binocular optical instrument
2 : a handheld optical instrument composed of two telescopes and a focusing device and usually having prisms to increase magnifying ability usually used in plural

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Other Words from binocular

Adjective

binocularity \ (ˌ)bī-​ˌnä-​kyə-​ˈler-​ə-​tē How to pronounce binocularity (audio) , -​ˈla-​rə-​ , bə-​ \ noun
binocularly \ bī-​ˈnä-​kyə-​lər-​lē How to pronounce binocularly (audio) , bə-​ \ adverb

Examples of binocular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

For example, certain behaviors and abilities—such as some aspects of language and binocular vision—must be learned during critical periods in early childhood. Tom Roseberry, Scientific American, "Studying the Superhuman," 4 Sep. 2019 Roughly 326 miles wide, Pallas will be a binocular target even from light-polluted city suburbs for the next couple of weeks. Andrew Fazekas, National Geographic, "Spring meteor shower, and more top star-gazing events in April," 1 Apr. 2019 Most significantly for space enthusiasts, opposition marks the year’s most optimal Jupiter viewing conditions, enabling binocular-equipped watchers to easily spot the planet and perhaps even a few of its 79 moons. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, "Tonight Is the Best Time of the Year to See Jupiter and Its Many Moons," 10 June 2019 Such cunning likely would lessen if alcohol were available out in the open on Kyle’s concourses, even if fake binocular makers would pay the price. Brent Zwerneman, ExpressNews.com, "Texas A&M treading carefully on whether to sell alcohol at sports events," 5 June 2019 One set of binocular viewers reveals a 3-D slideshow of Parisian streets; another, 3-D photographs of the Civil War, which are stunning. Edward Rothstein, WSJ, "‘3D: Double Vision’ Review: A Multidimensional Show Feels Flat," 24 July 2018 While, Wall-E, a less advanced robot model doesn’t have the aid of a digital screen, his binocular-esque lenses move up and down, independently in a way that reminiscent of Chaplin’s eyebrow work. Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Wall-E' References That Need to Be Revisited," 27 June 2018 The two images will alternate in a never-ending dance because of what neuroscientists call binocular rivalry. Christof Koch, Scientific American, "What Is Consciousness?," 8 May 2018 Using a binocular-like device and a technique called visual rivalry, the researchers also showed participants two photos simultaneously, one in each eye. Amanda Macmillan, Health.com, "Smile! Wrinkles Around Our Eyes Make Us Appear More Sincere," 12 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

On a recent sweltering Saturday, a day now reserved for protest in Hong Kong, a demonstrator named Wayne stepped past a row of plastic barricades, lifted a pair of binoculars and squinted. Washington Post, "Hong Kong’s evolving protests: Voices from the front lines," 23 Aug. 2019 Pack binoculars to view the waterfowl, frogs and wild turkeys that thrive in the marshy perimeter where shoreline footpaths are sometimes obliterated by flattened reeds, soggy backwaters and hip-high grasses. Mare Czinar, azcentral, "Fun summer hikes in Arizona: These hidden little lakes attract wildlife, hikers and anglers," 5 July 2019 The deck will offer binoculars, prime picture taking spots and a camera to live stream a shot of the bridge for anyone curious about ongoing construction, which is slated to wrap by the end of 2024 and has already cost Michigan about $230 million. Emma Keith, Detroit Free Press, "Observation deck to offer visitors rare view of Gordie Howe bridge construction," 21 June 2019 One day, Emily, whose apartment building faces scenic Hampstead Heath, spots the off-the-grid Harry (Brendan Gleeson) through binoculars, piquing her curiosity. Gary Goldstein, latimes.com, "Review: Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson add needed charm to ‘Hampstead’," 13 June 2019 Wildlife watching Most who venture out to see wildlife or bird-watch will bring binoculars, a spotting scope, a rangefinder and a camera with a long lens, plus identification books. Tom Stienstra, SFChronicle.com, "Tips for customizing your favorite outdoor gear," 5 June 2019 Bring binoculars to watch their slow but steady progression up El Cap. James Lange, National Geographic, "A guide to Yosemite National Park," 11 Mar. 2019 Bringing along a camera, binoculars, fishing rod, journal or a beloved book provides a more than enough reason to grab some alone time. Peter Reese, Popular Mechanics, "Five Things to Know Before Running a Wild River," 11 Aug. 2017 Gazing along its course with binoculars will reveal thousands of stars. Arnold Pearlstein, sun-sentinel.com, "The Stars This Week: July 28 - Aug. 3," 28 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'binocular.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of binocular

Adjective

1679, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for binocular

binocular

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of binocular

: involving or designed for both eyes

binocular

adjective
bin·​oc·​u·​lar | \ bī-ˈnä-kyə-lər How to pronounce binocular (audio) , bə-\

Kids Definition of binocular

: involving or designed for both eyes

binocular

adjective
bin·​oc·​u·​lar | \ bī-ˈnäk-yə-lər, bə- How to pronounce binocular (audio) \

Medical Definition of binocular

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: of, relating to, using, or adapted to the use of both eyes binocular vision a binocular microscope

Other Words from binocular

binocularly \ bī-​ˈnäk-​yə-​lər-​lē, bə-​ How to pronounce binocularly (audio) \ adverb

binocular

noun
bin·​oc·​u·​lar | \ bə-ˈnäk-yə-lər, bī- How to pronounce binocular (audio) \

Medical Definition of binocular (Entry 2 of 2)

: a binocular optical instrument