wavelength

noun

wave·​length ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th How to pronounce wavelength (audio)
1
: the distance in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase
2
: a particular course or line of thought especially as related to mutual understanding
two people on different wavelengths

Examples of wavelength in a Sentence

Light and sound have different wavelengths.
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.
This color comes from the sunlight that passes through the atmosphere, which scatters blue rays away and allows red wavelengths to pass through it and into the shadow of the Earth. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025 Hydrogen in a gas cloud, for example, emits light at very specific wavelengths, though generally most is at 656 nanometers (in the red part of the spectrum). — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2025 Long wavelengths of sunlight are refracted through Earth's atmosphere before reaching the moon, which reflects them in reddish hues that may resemble the color of blood. — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2025 This expansion affects light wavelengths emanating from cosmic objects of interest, like stars, that travel toward our detectors on Earth. — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wavelength

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wavelength was in 1850

Browse Nearby Words

wavelength
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wavelength.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wavelength. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

wavelength

noun
wave·​length ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th How to pronounce wavelength (audio)
1
: the distance (as from crest to crest) in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next corresponding point
2
: a certain line of thought or behavior that reveals a common understanding
coworkers who are on the same wavelength

Medical Definition

wavelength

noun
wave·​length -ˌleŋ(k)th How to pronounce wavelength (audio)
: the distance in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase
—symbol λ

More from Merriam-Webster on wavelength

Nglish: Translation of wavelength for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wavelength

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