tele·scope
ˈte-lə-ˌskōp 
often attributive
1
2
: any of various tubular magnifying optical instruments
3
telescoped; telescoping
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
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
Essence, 28 Oct. 2025
On July 1, the ATLAS survey telescope recorded the comet flying through space at a staggering speed of 130,000 mph (210,000 km/h).
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
Both suitcases feature spinner wheels, telescoping handles and one-inch expansion zippers to give you a bit more room when needed.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for telescope
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.
Noun
At night, the staff will guide you through constellations and planets that can be seen with the naked eye (don’t worry, there’s also a telescope).
—Essence, 28 Oct. 2025
On July 1, the ATLAS survey telescope recorded the comet flying through space at a staggering speed of 130,000 mph (210,000 km/h).
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
Ban designed the kitchen with gleaming white Corian countertops and a sculptural central island, while a den just off the kitchen can double as a fourth bedroom, hidden behind a wall of telescoping panels.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
Both suitcases feature spinner wheels, telescoping handles and one-inch expansion zippers to give you a bit more room when needed.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for telescope
Cite this Entry
“Telescope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telescope. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share