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

More than a month ago, the commanders of his frontline artillery unit secured a far more advanced tool: a high-tech, Western-supplied laser range finder to help with targeting.

From New York Times • Jun. 6, 2022

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

So I measured it using a laser range finder.

From Golf Digest • Apr. 27, 2020

Something, therefore, equivalent to a range finder in connection with light is necessary to enable us to locate the distance and the direction of the radiant point.

From Hertzian Wave Wireless Telegraphy by Fleming, John Ambrose