looking glasses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking glasses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to eyeglasses or spectacles, often in a poetic or literary context. Example: "She adjusted her looking glasses before reading the fine print on the document."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

As reflective surfaces, these Jacksonian looking glasses are all failing, cataracted.

The New York Times

Instead of being looking glasses offering passages to other worlds, the most popular sitcoms became mirrors reflecting everyday life.

The New York Times - Arts

She cites in her book how even Queen Elizabeth I banned looking glasses in her court so visitors could not clearly see the signs of aging.

The New York Times

Hitherto in their lives they had seen themselves in looking glasses and hand mirrors, in the backs of spoons, and, dimly, in clear still water.

The New Yorker

If we're going to accept spouses as looking glasses, don't President Obama and his predecessor both look like pretty selfish men?

The New York Times

Even the landladies of working men and women had to cater to their taste for copper teakettles, walnut-framed looking glasses and white cotton counterpanes.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

You've passed through the looking glass.

The New York Times

Friends, we are through the looking glass.

The New York Times

We're through the looking glass.

The Washington Post

Prepare to step through the looking glass.

The Guardian - Opinion

The essay was a formidable looking glass.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looking glasses" in creative writing, consider its slightly antiquated feel to evoke a sense of history or fantasy.

Common error

Avoid using "looking glasses" in highly technical or formal contexts where a more modern term like "mirrors" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "looking glasses" is that of a noun phrase, specifically functioning as the plural form of "looking glass". As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves to identify a device used for reflection. Examples show its use to describe antique objects, home furnishings or in metaphors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

20%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking glasses" is a grammatically sound noun phrase functioning as the plural of "looking glass", primarily denoting "mirrors". Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it is less common than "mirrors" in contemporary English, it often evokes a sense of history or literary style. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but can also be found in arts and science writing. Consider the desired tone and audience when choosing between "looking glasses" and more common alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mirrors

Broader term referring to any reflective surface used for viewing one's reflection.

reflecting mirrors

Emphasizes the reflective quality of the mirrors.

antique mirrors

Specifically denotes mirrors with an old or vintage aesthetic.

hand mirrors

Mirrors designed to be held in the hand for personal grooming.

vanity mirrors

Mirrors specifically designed for use while applying makeup or grooming.

cosmetic mirrors

Mirrors used in the application of cosmetics.

dressing table mirrors

Mirrors usually placed on top of a dressing table to allow the user to see themself when seated.

bedroom mirrors

General term referring to mirrors found in a bedroom setting.

wall mirrors

Mirrors designed to be mounted on a wall.

silvered glass

Focuses on the material and the reflective process.

FAQs

What does "looking glasses" mean?

"Looking glasses" is an older term for "mirrors", referring to objects designed to reflect images.

Is "looking glasses" a formal or informal term?

While generally understood, "looking glasses" leans towards being a slightly more formal or literary term than the more common "mirrors".

When is it appropriate to use "looking glasses"?

Use "looking glasses" to evoke a sense of history, in fantasy settings, or when aiming for a slightly more elegant or antiquated tone. In modern, everyday contexts, "mirrors" is usually preferred.

What are some synonyms for "looking glasses"?

Synonyms include "mirrors", "reflecting mirrors", and, depending on the context, even "reflective surfaces".