shortwave

noun

short·​wave ˈshȯrt-ˌwāv How to pronounce shortwave (audio)
often attributive
1
: a radio wave having a wavelength between 10 and 100 meters
2
: a radio transmitter or receiver using shortwaves
3
: electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength equal to or less than that of visible light

Examples of shortwave in a Sentence

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.
Radio blackouts After an X-class solar flare erupted, shortwave radio blackouts were detected across the Americas — the sunlit side of Earth at the time. Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2025 As a result, a shortwave radio blackout event occurred across parts of the Pacific Ocean from the elevated amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that accompanied the flare. Meredith Garofalo, Space.com, 24 Feb. 2025 Voice of America is the largest and oldest US international broadcaster; it was established in 1942 to fight Nazi propaganda via shortwave radio. Sean Collins, Vox, 19 Mar. 2025 These conditions are in response to a passing upper level shortwave and surface cold front. William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shortwave

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortwave was in 1907

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shortwave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortwave. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

shortwave

noun
short·​wave ˈshȯrt-ˈwāv How to pronounce shortwave (audio)
: a radio wave with a wavelength between 10 and 100 meters

Medical Definition

shortwave

noun
short·​wave ˈshȯrt-ˈwāv How to pronounce shortwave (audio)
1
: a radio wave having a wavelength between 10 and 100 meters
2
: electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength equal to or less than that of visible light

More from Merriam-Webster on shortwave

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!