telescopic

adjective

tele·​scop·​ic ˌte-lə-ˈskä-pik 

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 

adverb

Examples of telescopic in a Sentence

The rifle has a telescopic sight.

Recent Examples on the Web

As always the utmost care must be taken to never point telescopic equipment or binoculars close to the rising sun, as doing so can immediately and permanently damage your vision. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 21 June 2025

It’s got an adjustable telescopic wand and accessories like an anti-tangle pet hair tool, crevice tool, and combination tool to pick up debris on non-floor areas as well. —Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025

Fortunately, telescopic technology has come a long way in the past 95 years, with deep surveys that can capture the passage of a faint object. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 30 May 2025

The telescopic shaft adjusts the total length as needed. —New Atlas, 21 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for telescopic

• arthroscopic
• barotropic
• cystoscopic
• endoscopic
• gyroscopic
• hygroscopic
• isentropic
• isotopic
• isotropic
• macroscopic
• microscopic
• orthotopic

Kids Definition

telescopic

adjective

tele·​scop·​ic ˌtel-ə-ˈskäp-ik 

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 

adverb