noun
Uncommon
bandwidth
BAND-wihdth
Bandwidth (noun) means the range of frequencies a signal or channel can carry, often used to describe internet or network speed. Example: “Streaming video in 4K uses a lot more bandwidth than standard definition.”
noun
1
The range of frequencies a signal or channel can carry, often used to describe internet or network speed.
"Streaming video in 4K uses a lot more bandwidth than standard definition."
"Our office internet has enough bandwidth for a dozen video calls at once."
"Video calls slow down when too many people share the same bandwidth at home."
2
Informally, a person's available time, attention, or capacity to take on more work.
"I just don't have the bandwidth to take on another project this month."
"She would love to help, but she has no bandwidth left this week."
"Do you have the bandwidth to review my report before Friday?"
How to use bandwidth
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the data-carrying capacity of a connection, or, informally, how much spare time and energy someone has.
When to use it
The "spare capacity" sense is common in business speak; some readers find it a cliché.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
low bandwidth
network bandwidth
don't have the bandwidth
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Word forms
- Plural
- bandwidths
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Streaming video in 4K uses a lot more _____ than standard definition.
Etymology
From band (a range of frequencies) + width; originally a radio and telecommunications term before it was borrowed informally for personal capacity.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “bandwidth” mean?
The word “bandwidth” means the range of frequencies a signal or channel can carry, often used to describe internet or network speed. In plain terms, either the data-carrying capacity of a connection, or, informally, how much spare time and energy someone has.
How do you pronounce “bandwidth”?
“Bandwidth” is pronounced BAND-wihdth (/ˈbændwɪdθ/ in IPA).
How do you use “bandwidth” in a sentence?
Here is “bandwidth” used in a sentence: “Streaming video in 4K uses a lot more bandwidth than standard definition.”
What part of speech is “bandwidth”?
“Bandwidth” is a noun.
Is “bandwidth” a common word?
“Bandwidth” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “bandwidth” have?
“Bandwidth” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the range of frequencies a signal or channel can carry, often used to describe internet or network speed.
What is the difference between bandwidth and internet speed?
Bandwidth refers to the range of frequencies a signal or channel can carry, which determines the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted, while speed is how fast that data actually moves in practice. Higher bandwidth generally allows for higher potential speeds, but real-world speed also depends on other network factors.
What does it mean when someone says they don't have the bandwidth?
When used informally about a person, 'bandwidth' means their available time, attention, or capacity to take on more work. Saying 'I don't have the bandwidth right now' means someone is too busy or mentally stretched to handle an additional task.
Is 'bandwidth' formal or informal when referring to personal capacity?
Using 'bandwidth' to describe a person's capacity for work or attention is an informal, often workplace-casual usage borrowed metaphorically from its technical networking meaning. It is common in office speech but would be considered informal in more traditional formal writing.
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