noun
periscope
PEH-rihs-kohp
Periscope (noun) means a tube-shaped viewing device with mirrors or prisms that lets someone see over or around an obstacle. Example: “The submarine crew raised the periscope to scan the surface.”
noun
1
A tube-shaped viewing device with mirrors or prisms that lets someone see over or around an obstacle.
"The submarine crew raised the periscope to scan the surface."
verb
1
To raise up and look around cautiously, in the manner of a periscope.
"Thousands of ungainly black-beaked heads would periscope and freeze in the direction of the approaching intruder."
— National Geographic Magazine: Volume 99 (1951)
"Her black and white head suddenly popped out from under the covers and periscoped around."
— Jim Moran, The Sentinel: A Wildfire Story (2010)
"He periscoped over the fence to see who was there."
How to use periscope
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA device (classically on a submarine) that lets you see around a corner or above the surface without exposing yourself.
Common pairings
raise the periscope
periscope depth
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like periscope.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- periscopes
- Third person singular
- periscopes
- Past tense
- periscoped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The submarine crew raised the _____ to scan the surface.
Etymology
Built in English from peri- ("around") + -scope ("instrument for viewing").
Rhymes for periscope
See all rhymes for periscope →Frequently asked questions
What does “periscope” mean?
The word “periscope” means a tube-shaped viewing device with mirrors or prisms that lets someone see over or around an obstacle. In plain terms, a device (classically on a submarine) that lets you see around a corner or above the surface without exposing yourself.
How do you pronounce “periscope”?
“Periscope” is pronounced PEH-rihs-kohp (/ˈpɛɹɪskoʊp/ in IPA).
How do you use “periscope” in a sentence?
Here is “periscope” used in a sentence: “The submarine crew raised the periscope to scan the surface.”
What part of speech is “periscope”?
Depending on how it is used, “periscope” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “periscope” have?
“Periscope” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tube-shaped viewing device with mirrors or prisms that lets someone see over or around an obstacle.
