magnifying glass

American  

noun

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

---

magnifying glass British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of magnifying glass

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

Ternus was on the road at the supplier’s facility, and sometime after midnight he pulled out a magnifying glass to count the circles, finding that the supplier had gotten it wrong, putting in 35 grooves.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

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

Says Merritt, “You’re going to want to get your magnifying glass to look at some of this stuff.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2025

I got a magnifying glass out of my desk drawer.

From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd