optical
adjective
op·ti·cal
ˈäp-ti-kəl 
1
: of or relating to the science of optics
2
a
: of or relating to vision : visual
b
: visible sense 1
optical wavelength
c
: of, relating to, or being objects that emit light in the visible range of frequencies
an optical galaxy
d
: using the properties of light to aid vision
an optical instrument
3
a
: of, relating to, or utilizing light especially instead of other forms of energy
optical microscopy
b
: involving the use of light-sensitive devices to acquire information for a computer
optical character recognition
4
: of or relating to optical art
Examples of optical in a Sentence
The company manufactures microscopes, telescopes, and other optical instruments.
an optical illusion that fools most people
Recent Examples on the Web
The shoes have a thick foam sole that offers optical support, shock-absorption, and lasting comfort.
—
Clara McMahon, People.com, 31 July 2025
This is an area where the cheaper S25 Ultra still beats the new foldable, with higher-resolution backup cameras and multiple optical zoom levels.
—ArsTechnica, 31 July 2025
The Dual Lens camera is the brainchild of German optics veteran Rollei, and features an 8x optical zoom lens to the front that feeds light to a 1/2.8-inch-type CMOS imaging sensor plus a 3.37-mm selfie lens matched to a 1/3.06-inch-type sensor.
—Paul Ridden
july 30, New Atlas, 30 July 2025
The collaboration will bring a new line of optical and sun styles to life under Oleg Cassini, the bridal label sold at David’s.
—Andre Claudio, Footwear News, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for optical
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Clara McMahon, People.com, 31 July 2025
This is an area where the cheaper S25 Ultra still beats the new foldable, with higher-resolution backup cameras and multiple optical zoom levels.
—ArsTechnica, 31 July 2025
The Dual Lens camera is the brainchild of German optics veteran Rollei, and features an 8x optical zoom lens to the front that feeds light to a 1/2.8-inch-type CMOS imaging sensor plus a 3.37-mm selfie lens matched to a 1/3.06-inch-type sensor.
—Paul Ridden
july 30, New Atlas, 30 July 2025
The collaboration will bring a new line of optical and sun styles to life under Oleg Cassini, the bridal label sold at David’s.
—Andre Claudio, Footwear News, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for optical
Cite this Entry
“Optical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optical. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
optical
adjective
op·ti·cal
ˈäp-ti-kəl
1
: relating to optics
2
: of or relating to vision
3
a
: of, relating to, or using light
an optical telescope
b
: involving the use of a device that senses light to acquire information for a computer
an optical scanner
Medical Definition
optical
adjective
op·ti·cal
ˈäp-ti-kəl
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