focal length

noun

: the distance of a focus from the surface of a lens or curved mirror

Examples of focal length in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Full specs are still under embargo until later, but the Pocket 4P brings back the 1-inch sensor seen in the DJI Pocket 4, with a secondary camera that provides a longer focal length. Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 The lens shows a little bit of pincushion distortion at longer focal lengths in Raw format, but in-camera corrections squash the issue for JPGs and movies. Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 13 May 2026 Supporting this is a multi-camera array designed to work across various focal lengths. New Atlas, 27 Apr. 2026 Measuring over two feet long, the lens had a Goldilocks quality: the right focal length and aperture that would allow the director to get the entirety of the sun in the frame, while still physically fitting the Mitchell-Fries camera. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for focal length

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of focal length was in 1682

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Cite this Entry

“Focal length.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/focal%20length. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

focal length

noun
: the distance of a focus from the surface of a lens or inwardly-curved mirror

Medical Definition

focal length

noun
: the distance of a focus from the surface of a lens or concave mirror
symbol f

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