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Definition of spyglass

spyglass

/ˈspaɪˌɡlæs/
spy · glass
Plural:spyglasses
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spyglass Lexical Profile

spyglass Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small, handheld telescope, typically made of extendable brass tubes and historically used at sea for viewing distant objects.

Example

"The ship's captain raised his brass spyglass to scan the horizon for approaching vessels."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for spyglass

• Rhymes for spyglass

• Nearby Words

spy
spycam
spycatcher
spyglass
spyhole
spymaster
spyplane

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-17th century, this compound word combines 'spy' (meaning to watch closely) with 'glass' (used in the sense of an optical lens or viewing instrument).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Spyglass. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/spyglass
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