Illustration of periscope
periscope
noun
peri·scope
ˈper-ə-ˌskōp 
: a tubular optical instrument containing lenses and mirrors by which an observer obtains an otherwise obstructed field of view
Examples of periscope in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Gray ships were easily seen in profile against the sky and horizon by U-boat periscopes—was there a better color to paint them to help camouflage them from attack?
—
Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Gray ships were easily seen in profile against the sky and horizon by U-boat periscopes — was there a better color to paint them to help camouflage them from attack?
—Kory Stamper, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
The front windshield has a border that narrows your field of view, like looking through a submarine periscope, and takes some time to get used to.
—Jesus R. Garcia, Houston Chronicle, 15 Mar. 2026
The Pentagon released periscope video of the attack showing a ship that experienced a massive explosion to its stern, as well as what appeared to be still frames showing the ship sinking beneath the waves.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for periscope
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Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Gray ships were easily seen in profile against the sky and horizon by U-boat periscopes — was there a better color to paint them to help camouflage them from attack?
—Kory Stamper, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
The front windshield has a border that narrows your field of view, like looking through a submarine periscope, and takes some time to get used to.
—Jesus R. Garcia, Houston Chronicle, 15 Mar. 2026
The Pentagon released periscope video of the attack showing a ship that experienced a massive explosion to its stern, as well as what appeared to be still frames showing the ship sinking beneath the waves.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for periscope
Cite this Entry
“Periscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periscope. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
periscope
noun
peri·scope
ˈper-ə-ˌskōp
: an instrument containing lenses and mirrors by which an observer (as on a submerged submarine) can get a view that would otherwise be blocked
periscopic
adjective
ˌper-ə-ˈskäp-ik
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