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 The light emitted by the supernova became dim in the wavelengths our eyes can perceive, but then glowed brighter in infrared light. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024 Should a rainbow appear, birds would see a much wider arc of color than what humans see, extending lower on the spectrum to show more indigo and violet, which have shorter wavelengths. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Jan. 2024 However, diffraction effects at the laser wavelengths used to put precise information inside these nanoscale color centers is an obstacle that has limited the amount of data that can be stored within the volume of each color center. IEEE Spectrum, 3 Jan. 2024 Kelce said being on the same wavelength with his quarterback was borne of work and practice reps which over time became instinct. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2024 Director Tran Anh Hung is on his star’s wavelength. Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2024 Set almost like a tripwire for cosmic sound, the laser beams will be sensitive to even the most subtle of gravitational waves—anything with wavelengths between 300,000 kilometers (186,400 miles) and three billion kilometers (1.86 billion miles). Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Jan. 2024 But explaining the details of that radiation—what wavelengths predominate, how quickly its intensity rises and falls, etc.—can tell us something about the physics that dominates these events. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2024 The two polarimeter instruments on PACE will help scientists study the particle size, composition and amount of aerosols in Earth’s atmosphere across an array of wavelengths to provide a detailed portrait of the most problematic areas. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 8 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wavelength.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wavelength was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near wavelength

Cite this Entry

“Wavelength.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wavelength. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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