range finder

or rangefinder

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of range finder¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

When the astronauts of Crew-5 mission arrived at the space station, their Dragon capsule used laser range finders called Dragon Eyes to guide the spacecraft during docking.

From New York Times

For now, Sergeant Pysanka is focused on learning the range finder.

From New York Times

According to the Pentagon’s accounting, the equipment sent to Ukraine includes more than 50,000 sets of body armor and helmets, 2,000 optics and laser range finders, night-vision devices, thermal imagery systems and more.

From Washington Post

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

On the course, they use range finders that give exact yardage to a target.

From New York Times