(plural) an optical instrument designed for simultaneous use by both eyes
"The hikers used their binoculars to spot birds in the distant treetops."
A hand-held device consisting of a series of lenses and prisms, used to magnify objects so that they can be better seen from a distance, and looked at through both eyes.
"The birdwatcher adjusted the binoculars to get a clearer view of the eagle soaring high above the treetops."
In plain English: Binoculars are two small telescopes held together side by side that help you see far away things more clearly.
"We used binoculars to spot birds in the distance at the nature reserve."
Usage: Binoculars are always plural in form but function as a singular unit when referring to the pair itself. Use this term for handheld viewing devices rather than single telescopes or simple magnifying glasses.
The word binoculars is an abbreviation of the phrase "binocular glasses." It entered English as a shortened form to describe optical instruments used for viewing distant objects with two lenses.