range finder
noun
1
: an instrument used in gunnery to determine the distance of a target
2
: a surveying instrument (such as a transit) for determining quickly the distances, bearings, and elevations of distant objects
3
: a usually built-in adjustable optical device for focusing a camera that automatically indicates the correct focus (as when two parts of a split image are brought together)
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web For now, Sergeant Pysanka is focused on learning the range finder. 
New York Times, 6 June 2022 Without proper training, the same dilemma facing Sergeant Pysanka’s unit and their lone range finder will be pervasive on a much larger scale. New York Times, 6 June 2022 The range finder, called a JIM LR, is like a pair of high-tech binoculars and likely part of the tranche of equipment supplied by the United States, said Sergeant Pysanka. New York Times, 6 June 2022 The laser beam would be reflected back to the range finder, which measured how long the beam’s round-trip took and translated that into distances that were accurate to within 6/100 of an inch per mile. Frederick Reimers, Outside Online, 26 Feb. 2019 These range finder binoculars provide fast measurement up to 540 yards, are super lightweight and portable, sport a water-resistant body and come with basic essentials like a carrying pouch, CR2 battery and microfiber cleaning cloth. Shanon Maglente, Good Housekeeping, 15 Apr. 2022 Surveyors often used a compass, measuring tape or laser range finder and an inclinometer to record the direction, distance and slope of the passage. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 14 Sep. 2021 The researchers added a range finder and a Wi-Fi sensor so the robot can avoid obstructions. Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2021 Other marine-binocular features might include a range finder or even stabilization technology, which makes higher-power glass (say above 7x magnification) more functional in the confines of a rocking boat. The Editors, Outdoor Life, 21 Oct. 2019 See More
New York Times, 6 June 2022 Without proper training, the same dilemma facing Sergeant Pysanka’s unit and their lone range finder will be pervasive on a much larger scale. New York Times, 6 June 2022 The range finder, called a JIM LR, is like a pair of high-tech binoculars and likely part of the tranche of equipment supplied by the United States, said Sergeant Pysanka. New York Times, 6 June 2022 The laser beam would be reflected back to the range finder, which measured how long the beam’s round-trip took and translated that into distances that were accurate to within 6/100 of an inch per mile. Frederick Reimers, Outside Online, 26 Feb. 2019 These range finder binoculars provide fast measurement up to 540 yards, are super lightweight and portable, sport a water-resistant body and come with basic essentials like a carrying pouch, CR2 battery and microfiber cleaning cloth. Shanon Maglente, Good Housekeeping, 15 Apr. 2022 Surveyors often used a compass, measuring tape or laser range finder and an inclinometer to record the direction, distance and slope of the passage. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 14 Sep. 2021 The researchers added a range finder and a Wi-Fi sensor so the robot can avoid obstructions. Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2021 Other marine-binocular features might include a range finder or even stabilization technology, which makes higher-power glass (say above 7x magnification) more functional in the confines of a rocking boat. The Editors, Outdoor Life, 21 Oct. 2019 See More Word History
First Known Use
1872, in the meaning defined at sense 2