wavelength

noun

wave·​length ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th How to pronounce wavelength (audio)
1
: the distance in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase
2
: 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.
Its Anti-Acne LED Pen is an under-$100 gadget that emits blue and red wavelengths to kill acne-causing bacteria, diminish oil production, and rejuvenate skin on the whole. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Dec. 2025 Most traditional systems respond mainly to shorter visible wavelengths. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2025 An infrared monster Light comes in multiple wavelengths, which astronomers often use to reveal different characteristics about the same objects. Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 Dec. 2025 Space telescopes are typically optimized either to study a small patch of the sky across many wavelengths of light or to survey vaster swaths of the cosmos in only a handful of wavelengths. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 19 Dec. 2025 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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Cite this Entry

“Wavelength.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wavelength. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

wavelength

noun
wave·​length ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th How to pronounce wavelength (audio)
1
: the distance (as from crest to crest) in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next corresponding point
2
: 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 How to pronounce wavelength (audio)
: the distance in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase
symbol λ

More from Merriam-Webster on wavelength

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