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.

---

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

Without proper training, the same dilemma facing Sergeant Pysanka’s unit and their lone range finder will be pervasive on a much larger scale.

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

The term "Range Finder" is a misnomer as a range finder is an instrument.

From Military Instructors Manual by Schoonmaker, Oliver