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
1
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
1
Relating to or using such radio waves.
"She still owns a shortwave radio from the 1970s."
How to use shortwave
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA type of long-range radio signal, or a radio that receives it.
Common pairings
shortwave radio
shortwave broadcast
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like shortwave.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- shortwaves
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He tuned his old radio to a _____ station broadcasting from overseas.
Etymology
From short + wave.
Rhymes for shortwave
See all rhymes for shortwave →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.
