spectrum
noun
spec·trum
ˈspek-trəm 
plural spectra
ˈspek-trə
or spectrums
or spectrums
1
a
: a continuum of color formed when a beam of white light is dispersed (as by passage through a prism) so that its component wavelengths are arranged in order
b
: any of various continua that resemble a color spectrum in consisting of an ordered arrangement by a particular characteristic (such as frequency or energy): such as
(1)
(2)
(3)
: the range of frequencies of sound waves
(4)
c
: the representation (such as a plot) of a spectrum
2
a
: a continuous sequence or range
a wide spectrum of interests
opposite ends of the political spectrum
b
: kinds of organisms associated with a particular situation (such as an environment)
c
: a range of effectiveness against pathogenic organisms
an antibiotic with a broad spectrum
see also:
Examples of spectrum in a Sentence
beautiful scarves in all the colors of the spectrum
the complete spectrum of opinions on this hotly debated subject
Recent Examples on the Web
At the most recent debate, hosted by NBC4 and Telemundo 52 on May 6, the seven candidates again clashed over housing and immigration, while Becerra and Steyer faced fierce attacks from both sides of the political spectrum, The Los Angeles Times reported.
—
James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
By definition, the spectrum—that is, different kinds of light—is essentially infinite in range.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
Then there’s Hernández, who experienced both ends of the spectrum Thursday night.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Colorado Democrats and election officials from across the political spectrum have told Polis that commuting Peters' sentence would amount to a capitulation to Trump.
—Bente Birkeland, NPR, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spectrum
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James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
By definition, the spectrum—that is, different kinds of light—is essentially infinite in range.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
Then there’s Hernández, who experienced both ends of the spectrum Thursday night.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Colorado Democrats and election officials from across the political spectrum have told Polis that commuting Peters' sentence would amount to a capitulation to Trump.
—Bente Birkeland, NPR, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spectrum
Cite this Entry
“Spectrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectrum. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spectrum
noun
spec·trum
ˈspek-trəm
plural spectra
-trə
or spectrums
or spectrums
1
a
: the group of different colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet arranged in the order of their wavelengths and seen when white light passes through a prism and falls on a surface or when sunlight is scattered by water droplets to form a rainbow
2
: a continuous range or series
a wide spectrum of interests
Medical Definition
spectrum
noun
spec·trum
ˈspek-trəm
plural spectra
-trə
or spectrums
or spectrums
1
a
: a continuum of color formed when a beam of white light is dispersed (as by passage through a prism) so that its component wavelengths are arranged in order
b
: any of various continua that resemble a spectrum in consisting of an ordered arrangement by a particular characteristic (as frequency or energy): as
(1)
(2)
c
: the representation (as a plot) of a spectrum
2
: a continuous sequence or range
specifically
: a range of effectiveness against pathogenic organisms see broad-spectrum, narrow-spectrum
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