radio telescope

noun

: a radio receiver-antenna combination used for observation in radio astronomy

Examples of radio telescope in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The researchers studied the XMM–LSS field using the MeerKAT radio telescope, an array of 64 antennas located in the desert-like region of the Northern Cape, South Africa, the Jansky Very Large Array, and the LOFAR (Low-Frequency Array) network. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 Aug. 2026 When mapping molecular clouds, bigger radio telescopes yield higher spatial resolution. — Olivia Harper Wilkins, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026 Visible only through radio telescopes, these enormous circular structures can span hundreds of thousands to more than a million light-years across. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 The world’s most sensitive radio telescope array is set to be built in the Nevada desert. — Jeremy Mikula, NBC news, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for radio telescope

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of radio telescope was in 1947

Rhymes for radio telescope

See All Rhymes for radio telescope

Browse Nearby Words

radiotelephony
radio telescope
radiotherapy
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Cite this Entry

“Radio telescope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radio%20telescope. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

radio telescope

noun
: a radio receiver-antenna combination used for observation in radio astronomy

More from Merriam-Webster on radio telescope

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about radio telescope

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