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
Using optical scanning and manual net-by-net reverse-engineering, Brodesco recreated the PlayStation 1's schematic in modern PCB design software.
—
ArsTechnica, 12 June 2025
The Focus Pro 30K optical sensor is a standout inclusion.
—PC Magazine, 11 June 2025
However, one difference is that the rubber armor covering the optical engine and the tubes isn't as nice to touch as on the Action EX.
—Matt Morris, Space.com, 6 June 2025
The Federal Statistical Office said the rise in April was largely due to a significant increase in the manufacturing of data processing equipment, electrical goods and optical products.
—Chloe Taylor,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for optical
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.
ArsTechnica, 12 June 2025
The Focus Pro 30K optical sensor is a standout inclusion.
—PC Magazine, 11 June 2025
However, one difference is that the rubber armor covering the optical engine and the tubes isn't as nice to touch as on the Action EX.
—Matt Morris, Space.com, 6 June 2025
The Federal Statistical Office said the rise in April was largely due to a significant increase in the manufacturing of data processing equipment, electrical goods and optical products.
—Chloe Taylor,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 5 June 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 26 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share