wavelength

noun

wave·length ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th

: the distance in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase

: a particular course or line of thought especially as related to mutual understanding

two people on different wavelengths

Examples of wavelength in a Sentence

Light and sound have different wavelengths.

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.

Most bizarre, though, is the bond between Engemann and Gorga, each of whom is clearly ambitious but only one of whom is really vibing on the series’ wavelength. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026 Lidar operates on a similar wavelength to visible light and helps co-train camera systems to get better faster. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2026 This position causes the moonlight to pass through a denser layer of air, shortening blue and violet wavelengths and making the orange and red ones stand out — similar to a sunset. — Dharma Niles, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026 Water waves caused by, say, 50 stones thrown into a pond have a wavelength of a few centimeters and oscillate with a frequency of around 10 hertz (Hz). — Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wavelength

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of wavelength was in 1850

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Browse Nearby Words

wave height

wavelength

waveless

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Wavelength.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wavelength. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wavelength

noun

wave·length ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th

: the distance (as from crest to crest) in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next corresponding point

: a certain line of thought or behavior that reveals a common understanding

coworkers who are on the same wavelength

Medical Definition

wavelength

noun

wave·length -ˌleŋ(k)th

: the distance in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase

—symbol λ

wavelength

noun

Examples of wavelength in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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