optical
adjective
op·ti·cal
ˈäp-ti-kəl 
1
: of or relating to the science of optics
2
a
: of or relating to vision : visual
b
: visible sense 1
optical wavelength
c
: of, relating to, or being objects that emit light in the visible range of frequencies
an optical galaxy
d
: using the properties of light to aid vision
an optical instrument
3
a
: of, relating to, or utilizing light especially instead of other forms of energy
optical microscopy
b
: involving the use of light-sensitive devices to acquire information for a computer
optical character recognition
4
: of or relating to optical art
Examples of optical in a Sentence
The company manufactures microscopes, telescopes, and other optical instruments.
an optical illusion that fools most people
Recent Examples on the Web
Most of Canon's RF zoom lenses include optical stabilization, too, and in those instances, the systems work in tandem.
—
PC Magazine, 7 May 2025
From ultra short hair on Tessa Thompson to Janelle Monae’s optical illusionary beauty, here are all of our favorite moments from the red carpet.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 6 May 2025
Bender served as president and CEO of Eyemart Express, an optical retailer, from January 2018 to April 2022, having previously acted as president from September 2017 to January 2018.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 1 May 2025
Similarly, optical target recognition means the mission can continue even when the operator is not in direct communication.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for optical
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PC Magazine, 7 May 2025
From ultra short hair on Tessa Thompson to Janelle Monae’s optical illusionary beauty, here are all of our favorite moments from the red carpet.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 6 May 2025
Bender served as president and CEO of Eyemart Express, an optical retailer, from January 2018 to April 2022, having previously acted as president from September 2017 to January 2018.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 1 May 2025
Similarly, optical target recognition means the mission can continue even when the operator is not in direct communication.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for optical
Cite this Entry
“Optical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optical. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
optical
adjective
op·ti·cal
ˈäp-ti-kəl
1
: relating to optics
2
: of or relating to vision
3
a
: of, relating to, or using light
an optical telescope
b
: involving the use of a device that senses light to acquire information for a computer
an optical scanner
Medical Definition
optical
adjective
op·ti·cal
ˈäp-ti-kəl
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