noun

shortwave

SHAWT-wayv

Shortwave (noun) means a radio wave with a wavelength of roughly 10 to 100 metres, used for long-distance broadcasting. Example: “He tuned his old radio to a shortwave station broadcasting from overseas.”

noun

A radio wave with a wavelength of roughly 10 to 100 metres, used for long-distance broadcasting.

"He tuned his old radio to a shortwave station broadcasting from overseas."

adjective

Relating to or using such radio waves.

"She still owns a shortwave radio from the 1970s."

How to use shortwave

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA type of long-range radio signal, or a radio that receives it.

Common pairings

shortwave radio shortwave broadcast

Word forms

shortwaves plural

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He tuned his old radio to a _____ station broadcasting from overseas.

Etymology

From short + wave.

Rhymes for shortwave

ave gave save have wave cave nave pave rave fave Dave weave

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Frequently asked questions

What does “shortwave” mean?

The word “shortwave” means a radio wave with a wavelength of roughly 10 to 100 metres, used for long-distance broadcasting. In plain terms, a type of long-range radio signal, or a radio that receives it.

How do you pronounce “shortwave”?

“Shortwave” is pronounced SHAWT-wayv (/ˈʃoɹtˌweɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “shortwave” in a sentence?

Here is “shortwave” used in a sentence: “He tuned his old radio to a shortwave station broadcasting from overseas.”

What part of speech is “shortwave”?

Depending on how it is used, “shortwave” can be a noun and an adjective.

How many meanings does “shortwave” have?

“Shortwave” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a radio wave with a wavelength of roughly 10 to 100 metres, used for long-distance broadcasting.