noun
airwaves
Airwaves (noun) means Radio frequencies used for broadcasting, or radio and television broadcasting in general. Example: “The scandal dominated the airwaves for weeks.”
noun
1
Radio frequencies used for broadcasting, or radio and television broadcasting in general.
"‘Ham’ amateur radio operators in Tiantongyuan, a community in northern Beijing, are using the airwaves to search for an elderly mum who has been missing for over a week."
— Xubo Jiang, Amateur radio enthusiasts search for missing mum (2006)
"The scandal dominated the airwaves for weeks."
"Pirate stations once flooded the airwaves with unlicensed broadcasts."
"Our goal has always been to work as allies with women who do not have access to the mainstream airwaves. We have tried to provide a forum where women could speak for themselves about the issues that concern them."
— Melanie Berzon et al, Boston Women's Community Radio To Break For 1990 (1989)
"On Tuesday, Nigel took to the airwaves to say that if the eventual choice was between May’s deal or remain, he wouldn’t campaign or vote – a threat arguably without bite for at least 48% of the country."
— Marina Hyde, Chris Grayling is the Berk du Soleil as Farage maps out a road to nowhere (2019)
How to use airwaves
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA general way of referring to radio and TV broadcasts, as if they travel on "waves" through the air.
When to use it
Almost always used in the plural, and mostly in media or journalism contexts rather than technical ones.
Common pairings
dominate the airwaves
flood the airwaves
over the airwaves
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Synonyms
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airwave
Related words
Rhymes for airwaves
See all rhymes for airwaves →Frequently asked questions
What does “airwaves” mean?
The word “airwaves” means radio frequencies used for broadcasting, or radio and television broadcasting in general. In plain terms, a general way of referring to radio and TV broadcasts, as if they travel on "waves" through the air.
How do you use “airwaves” in a sentence?
Here is “airwaves” used in a sentence: “The scandal dominated the airwaves for weeks.”
What part of speech is “airwaves”?
“Airwaves” is a noun.
What is the meaning of airwaves?
"airwaves" (noun) means radio frequencies used for broadcasting, or radio and television broadcasting in general.
