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

Seen through telescopic eyes, the night sky is dotted with the glowing remains of exploded stars. —Jayson Stewart, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Mar. 2025

The cordless vacuum's slim, telescopic design is super handy for reaching under furniture and navigating tight spaces. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025

However, the researchers note that telescopic surveys aren’t yet advanced enough to detect objects of even more extreme orbits originating from the Oort cloud. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 24 Feb. 2025

On sale for nearly $1,000 off, this luggage set comes with TSA-friendly locks and telescopic handles and features a stunning polished copper exterior that’s sure to turn heads at baggage claim. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 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