1
: a range within a band of wavelengths, frequencies, or energies
especially : a range of radio frequencies which is occupied by a modulated carrier wave, which is assigned to a service, or over which a device can operate
2
: the capacity for data transfer of an electronic communications system
Graphics consume more bandwidth than text does.
especially : the maximum data transfer rate of such a system
a bandwidth of 100 megabits per second
3
: the emotional or mental capacity necessary to do or consider something
I don't have the bandwidth to do it all myself, and I feel like a failure because I'm not living up to my own ideals. Frances Lefkowitz

Examples of bandwidth in a Sentence

The modem has a bandwidth of 56 kilobits per second. Graphics use more bandwidth than text does.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Democrats had the power to shut down the government but lacked the bandwidth to sell it as the other guys’ fault, or put forth a unified plan on how to reopen the government on better terms. Philip Elliott, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025 The service—which allows users to set their location to more than 160 locations in 90 countries with unlimited bandwidth—offers a 30-day free trial and a money-back guarantee. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 12 Mar. 2025 For most mobile music lovers, Bluetooth provides enough bandwidth for music listening on the move without needing to plug in. Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 9 Mar. 2025 Giving an analogue team a digital bandwidth was crucial in the modern age of taking bowlers down. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bandwidth

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bandwidth was in 1913

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bandwidth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bandwidth. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: a range of frequencies
2
: the capacity for or rate of data transfer
a high bandwidth Internet connection

More from Merriam-Webster on bandwidth

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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