range finder

American  

Or rangefinder

noun

1. any of various instruments for determining the distance from the observer to a particular object, as for sighting a gun or adjusting the focus of a camera.

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Etymology

Origin of range finder

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Today, the company’s products, including an AI-driven app and range finder, act as a virtual caddie, one that recommends the club you should use and the optimal landing area for each shot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

He began designing and selling his own accessory that allowed gun owners to add lights, a range finder and lasers onto the rifle.

From Seattle Times • May 28, 2022

“I lost 30 pounds. You have to understand technology, too—ShotLink, how to use a range finder properly. There’s no excuse anymore for a bad yardage or a bad read.”

From Golf Digest • Apr. 13, 2018

In the 11th round, he ably voiced over the replay by saying, “Mayweather coming forward, using his jab as a range finder to land a right on the side of Manny’s head.”

From New York Times • May 3, 2015

The voice of the range finder droned over the ship's intercom.

From The Revolt on Venus by Glanzman, Louis