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.
This set includes a handheld grout brush and a brush with a long telescopic handle for those hard-to-reach spots. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026 Suspension comes from telescopic forks and rear pendulum shocks that ought to offer long travel. — Utkarsh Sood june 28, New Atlas, 28 June 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 The wheels glide smoothly and quietly, and the telescopic handle extends and retracts seamlessly—even when the case is fully packed. — Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 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 7 Jul. 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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