telescopic

adjective

tele·​scop·​ic ˌte-lə-ˈskä-pik How to pronounce telescopic (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or performed with a telescope
b
: suitable for seeing or magnifying distant objects
2
: seen or discoverable only by a telescope
telescopic stars
3
: able to discern objects at a distance
4
: having parts that telescope
telescopically
ˌte-lə-ˈskä-pi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce telescopic (audio)
adverb

Examples of telescopic in a Sentence

The rifle has a telescopic sight.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When all the way forward, the bathroom extends the rear bed platform via a telescopic structure, creating the full 76 x 28-in (192 x 72-in) single bed on the driver's side. — New Atlas, 21 July 2026 Of course, Saturn's most notable telescopic feature is its ring system, which at that time was tilted 10 degrees from edge-on with its north face in view. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 July 2026 Rescuers used a telescopic camera to help maintain contact with Gil during the operation, and María Paz Campos, a veteran firefighter from Chile, talked him through the entire operation. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 The telescopic handle is widened for grip, and the wheels are enlarged and made from shock-absorbent material that rolls quietly. — John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for telescopic

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of telescopic was in 1674

Rhymes for telescopic

See All Rhymes for telescopic

Browse Nearby Words

telescope word
telescopic
Telescopium
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Cite this Entry

“Telescopic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telescopic. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

telescopic

adjective
tele·​scop·​ic ˌtel-ə-ˈskäp-ik How to pronounce telescopic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or performed with a telescope
2
: seen or discoverable only by a telescope
telescopic stars
3
: able to discern objects at a distance
telescopic vision
4
: having parts that telescope
telescopically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce telescopic (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on telescopic

Nglish: Translation of telescopic for Spanish Speakers

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