airwaves

American  

[air-weyvz] / ˈɛərˌweɪvz /

plural noun

1. the media of radio and television broadcasting.

   The airwaves were filled with news flashes about the crisis.

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airwaves British  

/ ˈɛəˌweɪvz /

plural noun

1. informal radio waves used in radio and television broadcasting

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Etymology

Origin of airwaves

1895–1900, for earlier sense; air ¹ + waves (plural of wave )

Example Sentences

The Orange County court originally ruled the jingle a violation of California’s false advertising law for failing to disclose its religious affiliations, and it was subsequently pulled from the airwaves.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

Part of the problem: The U.K. version’s edginess was dulled for U.S. airwaves.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

As the controversy circulated through the airwaves and pressure mounted for his dismissal, Platner refused to drop out of the race.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

Since leaving her radio show, she's built a varied portfolio across TV, and may want to return to the airwaves.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

At 15:00, the designated hour, we stand tense and silent in the back of a room full of screens and computers and watch Beetee and his team try to dominate the airwaves.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins