radio
RAY-dee-oh
Radio (noun) means the technology of sending sound over distances using electromagnetic waves, or the broadcasting medium built on it. Example: “Early ships relied on radio to call for help far out at sea.”
noun
1
The technology of sending sound over distances using electromagnetic waves, or the broadcasting medium built on it.
"Early ships relied on radio to call for help far out at sea."
"Local radio is a good way to hear about events in your area."
"She listens to the radio every morning on her commute."
2
A device that receives and plays these broadcasts.
"Grandad keeps an old radio on the kitchen shelf and listens to it daily."
"The battery in my portable radio ran out halfway through the match."
"He turned up the radio when his favorite song came on."
verb
1
To send a message using two-way radio equipment.
"The rescue team radioed base to say they had found the hikers."
"Can you radio the other boat and ask where they are?"
"The pilot radioed the tower for permission to land."
How to use radio
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBoth the broadcasting technology/medium and the device used to listen to it.
Common pairings
listen to the radio
radio station
radio signal
radio host
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Word forms
- Plural
- radios
- Third person singular
- radios, radioes
- Past tense
- radioed
Fill the gap
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Early ships relied on _____ to call for help far out at sea.
Etymology
Shortened from "radiotelegraphy", itself built from "radio-" (relating to radiation/rays) plus "telegraphy".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for radio
See all rhymes for radio →Frequently asked questions
What does “radio” mean?
The word “radio” means the technology of sending sound over distances using electromagnetic waves, or the broadcasting medium built on it. In plain terms, both the broadcasting technology/medium and the device used to listen to it.
How do you pronounce “radio”?
“Radio” is pronounced RAY-dee-oh (/ˈɹeɪ.diˌoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “radio” in a sentence?
Here is “radio” used in a sentence: “She listens to the radio every morning on her commute.”
What part of speech is “radio”?
Depending on how it is used, “radio” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “radio” come from?
The word “radio” comes from Latin. Shortened from "radiotelegraphy", itself built from "radio-" (relating to radiation/rays) plus "telegraphy".
Is “radio” a common word?
“Radio” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “radio” have?
“Radio” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the technology of sending sound over distances using electromagnetic waves, or the broadcasting medium built on it.
How does radio work?
Radio converts sound into electrical signals that modulate electromagnetic waves sent from a transmitter. A receiver picks up these waves through an antenna and turns them back into sound. The waves travel at the speed of light and need no wires or physical connection between sender and listener.
What is the difference between AM and FM radio?
AM (amplitude modulation) varies the strength of the wave; it travels long distances but suffers more interference. FM (frequency modulation) varies the wave's frequency, giving clearer, higher-quality sound over shorter ranges. FM is favored for music, while AM is common for talk, news, and sport.
Is radio still relevant today?
Yes. Despite streaming and podcasts, radio is still widely used for music, news, sport, and emergency broadcasts. It's free, works without an internet connection, and reaches remote areas. Traditional AM and FM now sit alongside digital, satellite, and internet radio, keeping the medium very much alive.
What are the different types of radio?
Types include AM and FM broadcast radio, digital radio (DAB), internet and satellite radio, and shortwave for long-distance transmission. Two-way radios are used by emergency services and hobbyists. The word also covers the underlying wireless technology inside phones, Wi-Fi, and many other everyday devices.
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