binocular

1 of 2

adjective

bin·​oc·​u·​lar bī-ˈnä-kyə-lər How to pronounce binocular (audio) bə- How to pronounce binocular (audio)
: of, relating to, using, or adapted to the use of both eyes
binocularity
(ˌ)bī-ˌnä-kyə-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce binocular (audio)
-ˈla-rə-, 
bə-
noun
binocularly
bī-ˈnä-kyə-lər-lē How to pronounce binocular (audio)
bə-
adverb

binocular

2 of 2

noun

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

Examples of binocular in a Sentence

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.
Adjective
The pair were close enough to fit comfortably within the same binocular field of view. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026 Vision comes from a binocular camera in the head, along with wrist cameras for close-up work. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Noun
Check out our other guides to the best telescopes, binoculars, cameras, star projectors, drones, lego and much more. — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 3 July 2026 Through binoculars, Harris confirmed that the duo were moving back toward the safer, more elevated section of the point protected by a fringe of rocks. — Mark Reynolds, The Providence Journal, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for binocular

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1679, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of binocular was in 1679

Rhymes for binocular

See All Rhymes for binocular

Browse Nearby Words

binocs
binocular
binocular rivalry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Binocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binocular. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

binocular

1 of 2 adjective
bin·​oc·​u·​lar bī-ˈnäk-yə-lər How to pronounce binocular (audio)
bə-
: of, relating to, using, or adapted to the use of both eyes
binocular vision

binocular

2 of 2 noun
bin·​oc·​u·​lar bə-ˈnäk-yə-lər How to pronounce binocular (audio)
bī-
1
: a binocular optical instrument
2
: a handheld instrument for seeing at a distance that consists of two telescopes, a focusing device, and usually prisms
—usually used in plural
a pair of binoculars

Medical Definition

binocular

1 of 2 adjective
bin·​oc·​u·​lar bī-ˈnäk-yə-lər, bə- How to pronounce binocular (audio)
: of, relating to, using, or adapted to the use of both eyes
binocular vision
a binocular microscope
binocularly
bī-ˈnäk-yə-lər-lē, bə- How to pronounce binocular (audio)
adverb

binocular

2 of 2 noun
bin·​oc·​u·​lar bə-ˈnäk-yə-lər, bī- How to pronounce binocular (audio)
: a binocular optical instrument

More from Merriam-Webster on binocular

Nglish: Translation of binocular for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about binocular

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