magnifying glass

American  

noun

1. a lens that produces an enlarged image of an object.

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magnifying glass British  

noun

1. a convex lens used to produce an enlarged image of an object

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Etymology

Origin of magnifying glass

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

Do you really think that foreign governments are at this point, with a magnifying glass, looking at our markets and thinking something might be about to happen?

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

However, let me whip out my beige trench coat and magnifying glass as I tell you: My investigation did uncover some interesting questions about the origins of this salmon.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

As most Angelenos will know, the further you move inland, the more the sun feels like someone’s shoved a magnifying glass in front of it.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 3, 2025

There was a cluster of galaxies exactly between Firefly Sparkle and the JWST, which distorted spacetime to stretch the light from the faraway galaxy and effectively act as a gigantic magnifying glass.

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2024

"So why are you carrying a magnifying glass in your dance bag?" she asked him.

From "The Cinderella Ballet Mystery: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #4" by Carolyn Keene