wireless

1 of 2

adjective

wire·​less ˈwī(-ə)r-ləs How to pronounce wireless (audio)
1
: having no wire or wires
specifically : operating by means of transmitted electromagnetic waves
a wireless remote
2
a
: of or relating to radiotelephony, radiotelegraph, or radio
a wireless phone
b
: of or relating to data communications using radio waves
wireless Internet access
wirelessly adverb

wireless

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: telecommunication (such as wireless telegraphy or radiotelephony) involving signals transmitted by radio waves rather than over wires
also : the technology used in radio telecommunication
b
: access to a wireless Internet network
a coffee shop with excellent wireless
2
chiefly British : radio

Examples of wireless in a Sentence

Adjective The video game console comes with wireless controllers. The café offers free wireless Internet access. Noun She listened to the wireless every Monday night.
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.
Adjective
The pervasive tech at sports and entertainment events—from electronics to wireless technology—emits electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation, which can be potentially harmful at high levels. — Josh Bruni, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 The breakthrough opens up the ability to leverage IoT devices with standard wireless radios that exist in smart appliances, mobile devices, and wireless access points. — Bob Violino, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
There’s also a night vision camera and support for reverse wireless charging. — Simon Hill, WIRED, 5 Mar. 2025 Luckily, that’s not the case with this Hanes bra, which is — gasp — wireless. — Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wireless

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of wireless was in 1894

Phrases Containing wireless

Browse Nearby Words

wireless
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

wireless

1 of 2 adjective
wire·​less ˈwī(ə)r-ləs How to pronounce wireless (audio)
1
: having no wire or wires
2
: of or relating to radio communications
a wireless phone
3
: of or relating to data communications using radio waves
a wireless Internet connection
wirelessly adverb

wireless

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: communication at a distance involving signals transmitted by radio waves rather than over wires
b
: access to a wireless Internet network
2
chiefly British : radio entry 1

More from Merriam-Webster on wireless

Nglish: Translation of wireless for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wireless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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