bandwidth

noun

band·​width ˈband-ˌwidth How to pronounce bandwidth (audio)
-ˌwitth
1
: a range within a band of wavelengths, frequencies, or energies
especially : a range of radio frequencies which is occupied by a modulated carrier wave, which is assigned to a service, or over which a device can operate
2
: the capacity for data transfer of an electronic communications system
Graphics consume more bandwidth than text does.
especially : the maximum data transfer rate of such a system
a bandwidth of 100 megabits per second
3
: the emotional or mental capacity necessary to do or consider something
I don't have the bandwidth to do it all myself, and I feel like a failure because I'm not living up to my own ideals.Frances Lefkowitz

Examples of bandwidth in a Sentence

The modem has a bandwidth of 56 kilobits per second. Graphics use more bandwidth than text does.
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.
Alarum also says its SDKs are meant for bandwidth-sharing with notice, consent and safeguards. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 The coaching strategy has to create focus that supports restoring emotional bandwidth. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Those connections on the right side are ConnectX-7 network adapters, which provide 200Gbps of bandwidth. Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026 Porsha tried her hardest to play the game, putting all her brain’s limited bandwidth toward solving the murder mystery. Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bandwidth

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bandwidth was in 1913

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Cite this Entry

“Bandwidth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bandwidth. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

bandwidth

noun
band·​width ˈband-ˌwidth How to pronounce bandwidth (audio)
1
: a range of frequencies
2
: the capacity for or rate of data transfer
a high bandwidth Internet connection

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