binocle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareFormal, Historical, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “binocle” mean?
A pair of small telescopes mounted side-by-side and used for viewing distant objects.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pair of small telescopes mounted side-by-side and used for viewing distant objects; binoculars.
Historically, a term for early, often single-handled or eyeglass-like optical devices with two lenses. Can sometimes refer to opera glasses or small field glasses.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both varieties; no significant dialectal distinction.
Connotations
Connotes historical or antique items. May be used affectively in historical fiction or by antique dealers.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both BrE and AmE, with 'binoculars' being the universal modern term.
Grammar
How to Use “binocle” in a Sentence
adjust the binoclepeer through the binoclethe binocle revealedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “binocle” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The binocle device was cumbersome.
- He found a binocle case.
American English
- She examined the binocle lenses.
- A binocle auction was held.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business contexts.
Academic
Only in historical or technical studies of optics.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Rarely used even in technical optics, superseded by 'binoculars'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “binocle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “binocle”
- Using 'binocle' in modern contexts.
- Confusing 'binocle' (archaic noun) with 'binocular' (adjective).
- Spelling as 'binocule' or 'binocul'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Binocle' is an archaic, historical term for early forms of the device. 'Binoculars' is the standard, universally used modern term.
Almost never. Its use is confined to historical contexts, antique collecting, or specialised academic writing on the history of optics.
No, it is exclusively a noun. There is no standard verbal form.
It is of low practical importance. Learners should primarily know 'binoculars'. Awareness of 'binocle' is useful only for advanced historical literacy or to avoid confusion when encountering it in old texts.
A pair of small telescopes mounted side-by-side and used for viewing distant objects.
Binocle is usually formal, historical, archaic in register.
Binocle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɪn.ə.kəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɪn.ə.kəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this rare term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BIN' (two) + 'OCLE' (like in monocle, spectacle). A device for two eyes.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable due to extreme rarity.
Practice
Quiz
Which term would a modern English speaker most likely use for a pair of handheld optical devices for distance viewing?