periscope

noun

peri·​scope ˈper-ə-ˌskōp How to pronounce periscope (audio)
: a tubular optical instrument containing lenses and mirrors by which an observer obtains an otherwise obstructed field of view

Illustration of periscope

Illustration of periscope

Examples of periscope in a Sentence

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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.
The Saint Francis of Assisi painted in 1636 by Francisco de Zurbarán is in this sense a kind of periscope on the divine. — Julian Bell, The New York Review of Books, 1 Aug. 2026 The Razr Fold tries its best with its 50MP camera system, which includes a standard lens, an ultrawide lens, and a periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026 Here, beneath the swaying kelp canopy of the Great African Seaforest, a helmet snail rises from the sand, siphon probing like a periscope for the scent of sea urchins. — Tatjana Baleta, Time, 28 May 2026 Dazzle camouflage was most effective in World War I, when most sailors were using basic periscopes and optical range finders to find their targets. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for periscope

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of periscope was in 1879

Rhymes for periscope

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Browse Nearby Words

periscii
periscope
periscopic
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Cite this Entry

“Periscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periscope. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

periscope

noun
peri·​scope ˈper-ə-ˌskōp How to pronounce periscope (audio)
: an instrument containing lenses and mirrors by which an observer (as on a submerged submarine) can get a view that would otherwise be blocked
periscopic
ˌper-ə-ˈskäp-ik
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on periscope

Nglish: Translation of periscope for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about periscope

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