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.
Anyone with a shortwave radio could hear him. — Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2026 On Tuesday, expect a cloudier day as a weak shortwave moves through the region. — Nelly Carreno, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026 Season two may reveal who or what is behind that shortwave transmission. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 24 Dec. 2025 That disruption caused shortwave radio blackouts on the sunlit side of the planet. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Apr. 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

Rhymes for shortwave

See All Rhymes for shortwave

Browse Nearby Words

short ton
shortwave
short-weight
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shortwave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortwave. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on shortwave

Nglish: Translation of shortwave for Spanish Speakers

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