name
Common
MTV
MTV (name) means a television channel best known for playing music videos, now mostly known for reality shows and youth entertainment. Example: “MTV launched in 1981 with music videos playing around the clock.”
name
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A television channel best known for playing music videos, now mostly known for reality shows and youth entertainment.
"MTV launched in 1981 with music videos playing around the clock."
"The band's video got heavy rotation on MTV."
How to use MTV
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA famous TV channel, originally built around music videos.
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_____ launched in 1981 with music videos playing around the clock.
Etymology
Short for "Music Television," launched as a channel in 1981.
Class of 1981
MTV joined the language around 1981.
See the full Class of 1981 →
Synonyms
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music television
Frequently asked questions
What does “MTV” mean?
The word “MTV” means a television channel best known for playing music videos, now mostly known for reality shows and youth entertainment. In plain terms, a famous TV channel, originally built around music videos.
How do you use “MTV” in a sentence?
Here is “MTV” used in a sentence: “MTV launched in 1981 with music videos playing around the clock.”
What part of speech is “MTV”?
“MTV” is a name.
Where does the word “MTV” come from?
The word “MTV” dates back to around 1981. Short for "Music Television," launched as a channel in 1981.
Is “MTV” a common word?
“MTV” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What does MTV stand for?
MTV stands for Music Television, a name that reflects the channel's original focus on broadcasting music videos.
Does MTV still play music videos?
MTV was built around music videos, but today it mostly airs reality shows and youth-oriented entertainment rather than continuous music videos. Its programming has shifted well away from its original format.
What is the difference between MTV and VH1?
Both are music-oriented television channels. Historically MTV targeted a younger audience with current hits, while VH1 aimed at an older audience with a softer, more classic music focus.
What kind of shows is MTV known for now?
MTV is now known largely for reality television and youth entertainment. It has become associated with these formats far more than with the music-video programming that first made it famous.
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