wavelength
noun
wave·length
ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th 
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
The Doppler Shift has to do with the way wavelengths from an object moving away from you stretch out while those from an object moving toward you compress.
—
Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 20 May 2026
Infrared light waves have higher frequencies and thus shorter wavelengths than radio waves.
—Margherita Bassi, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026
Perhaps, but Alonso’s attentive gaze reworks the meaning of excitement such that a banal exchange with the nearby farmhand, and a drive into the nearby village, provide minor thrills — that is, if you’re properly settled onto Alonso’s serenely sluggish wavelength.
—Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 16 May 2026
And clinical trials for far-UVC continuous disinfection, a different wavelength that can operate safely in occupied rooms, could change the economics entirely by eliminating the room-turnover delay that has held back current UV-C adoption.
—Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wavelength
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Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 20 May 2026
Infrared light waves have higher frequencies and thus shorter wavelengths than radio waves.
—Margherita Bassi, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026
Perhaps, but Alonso’s attentive gaze reworks the meaning of excitement such that a banal exchange with the nearby farmhand, and a drive into the nearby village, provide minor thrills — that is, if you’re properly settled onto Alonso’s serenely sluggish wavelength.
—Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 16 May 2026
And clinical trials for far-UVC continuous disinfection, a different wavelength that can operate safely in occupied rooms, could change the economics entirely by eliminating the room-turnover delay that has held back current UV-C adoption.
—Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wavelength
Cite this Entry
“Wavelength.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wavelength. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wavelength
noun
wave·length
ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th
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
: the distance in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase
—symbol λ
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