telescope

1 of 2

noun

tele·​scope ˈte-lə-ˌskōp 

often attributive

1

: a usually tubular optical instrument for viewing distant objects by means of the refraction of light rays through a lens or the reflection of light rays by a concave mirror compare reflector, refractor

2

: any of various tubular magnifying optical instruments

3

: radio telescope

telescope

2 of 2

verb

telescoped; telescoping

intransitive verb

1

: to become forced together lengthwise with one part entering another as the result of collision

2

: to slide or pass one within another like the cylindrical sections of a collapsible hand telescope

3

: to become compressed or condensed

transitive verb

1

: to cause to telescope

2

: compress, condense

Synonyms

Verb

• capsule
• capsulize
• collapse
• compact
• compress
• condense
• constrict
• constringe
• contract
• narrow (down)
• squeeze

Examples of telescope in a Sentence

Noun

The rings of Saturn can be seen through a telescope.

Verb

for dramatic purposes, the film telescopes the years over which the events occurred into a few short months

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Luckily, this particular shower can be seen with the naked eye, so expensive space-viewing technology like telescopes are unnecessary to purchase for this event. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Famous for its massive storm, the Great Red Spot, which has been raging for at least 400 years and is large enough to fit three Earths inside, Jupiter will be visible all night long—no telescope required. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Dec. 2024

Verb

These suitcases have an air of sophistication about them, likely thanks to the muted metallic color palette, offset ribbing on the durable exterior, and telescoping handle made for easy maneuvering. —Lauren Bonney, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2024

Pacific Gear Rolling Duffel Bag While most duffel bags have shoulder straps alone, this one features rolling wheels to keep stress off your shoulder and back and telescoping handles for easy maneuvering. —Neha Tandon, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin telescopium, from Greek tēleskopos farseeing, from tēle- tele- + skopos watcher; akin to Greek skopein to look — more at spy

First Known Use

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1866, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing telescope

• Cassegrainian telescope
• Cassegrain telescope
• radio telescope
• reflecting telescope
• refracting telescope

Kids Definition

telescope

1 of 2 noun

tele·​scope ˈtel-ə-ˌskōp 

: a tubular instrument for viewing distant objects (as objects in outer space) by focusing light rays with mirrors or lenses

telescope

2 of 2 verb

telescoped; telescoping

1

: to slide or cause to slide one within another like the cylindrical sections of a hand telescope

2

: to run together like the sections of a telescope