spotting scope

noun

: a lightweight portable telescope that is usually mounted on a tripod and used for viewing wildlife and terrestrial objects and features

Examples of spotting scope 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.
Our lunch, a thermos of hot coffee, binoculars, a spotting scope, and two cameras jounced on the seat between us. — Robert Merchant, Outdoor Life, 1 Oct. 2025 Many cars were pulled off to the side with people holding long-lens cameras, binoculars, and spotting scopes, but with their backs to the space shuttle. — Clay Henderson, AZCentral.com, 13 Jan. 2025 Homoya plants his spotting scope on the sidewalk not far from a hotdog vendor on the southeast quadrant of the circle and points it up toward the nest box. — Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 22 Sep. 2025 Kitted out with spotting scopes, binoculars, and wildlife identification guides, the bridge was also, of course, staffed by eagle-eyed officers and expedition crew. — Kristen E. Pope, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spotting scope

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spotting scope was in 1921

Rhymes for spotting scope

See All Rhymes for spotting scope

Browse Nearby Words

spotting disk
spotting scope
spottle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spotting scope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spotting%20scope. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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