shortwave

noun

short·​wave ˈshȯrt-ˌwāv How to pronounce shortwave (audio)
often attributive
1
: a radio wave having a wavelength between 10 and 100 meters
2
: a radio transmitter or receiver using shortwaves
3
: electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength equal to or less than that of visible light

Examples of shortwave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That disruption caused shortwave radio blackouts on the sunlit side of the planet. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Apr. 2026 One sports a dial that shows both A.M. and shortwave channels. Penny E Schwartz, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2026 On Tuesday, expect a cloudier day as a weak shortwave moves through the region. Nelly Carreno, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026 Temperatures would have actually been higher over the last few days in Arizona, but for an atmospheric disturbance known as a shortwave trough over Canada that helped bring temperatures down, Ryan said. Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortwave

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortwave was in 1907

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Cite this Entry

“Shortwave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortwave. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

shortwave

noun
short·​wave ˈshȯrt-ˈwāv How to pronounce shortwave (audio)
: a radio wave with a wavelength between 10 and 100 meters

Medical Definition

shortwave

noun
short·​wave ˈshȯrt-ˈwāv How to pronounce shortwave (audio)
1
: a radio wave having a wavelength between 10 and 100 meters
2
: electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength equal to or less than that of visible light

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