bifocal

1 of 2

adjective

bi·​fo·​cal ˈbī-ˌfō-kəl 

1

: having two focal lengths

2

: having one part that corrects for near vision and one for distant vision

a bifocal eyeglass lens

bifocal

2 of 2

noun

1

bifocals plural : eyeglasses with bifocal lenses

2

: a bifocal glass or lens

Examples of bifocal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Presbyopia is often corrected with reading glasses, bifocal lenses (for people who are also nearsighted), or contact lenses. —Christine L. Larsen, Verywell Health, 8 May 2024

Its bifocal lens gives it two eyes for the price of one. —Discover Magazine, 27 Apr. 2011

Noun

The older woman next to me kept her bifocals fixed on the large font of her Kindle, unaware. —Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024

Blue light filters, UV filters, lenses of varying thicknesses, bifocals, and progressive lenses are all available for additional fees with any pair of frames. —Hilary Tetenbaum, Journal Sentinel, 25 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

Adjective

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bifocal

1 of 2 adjective

bi·​fo·​cal (ˈ)bī-ˈfō-kəl 

: having two focal lengths

bifocal

2 of 2 noun

1

: a bifocal glass or lens

2

plural : eyeglasses with bifocal lenses that correct for both near vision and distant vision

Medical Definition

bifocal

1 of 2 adjective

bi·​fo·​cal (ˈ)bī-ˈfō-kəl 

1

: having two focal lengths

2

: having one part that corrects for near vision and one for distant vision

a bifocal eyeglass lens

bifocal

2 of 2 noun

1

: a bifocal glass or lens

2

bifocals plural : eyeglasses with bifocal lenses