wireless

American  

[wahyuhr-lis] / ˈwaɪər lɪs /

adjective

1. having no wire.

2. noting or pertaining to any of various devices that are operated with or actuated by electromagnetic waves.

3. Chiefly British. radio.

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noun

1. wireless telegraphy or telephony.

2. a wireless telegraph or telephone, or the like.

3. any system or device, as a cell phone, for transmitting messages or signals by electromagnetic waves.

4. a wireless message.

5. Chiefly British. radio.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to telegraph or telephone by wireless.

wireless British  

/ ˈwaɪəlɪs /

adjective

1. communicating without connecting wires or other material contacts

   wireless networks

   wireless internet connection

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noun

1. old-fashioned another word for radio

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• wirelessly
  adverb
• wirelessness
  noun
• prewireless
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of wireless

First recorded in 1890–95; wire + -less

Example Sentences

The company, however, is already thinking of that with laser meshing technology and wireless spectrum acquisitions.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

"That's when quantum effects stop being abstract and start becoming useful -- supporting future applications ranging from self-powered sensors and wearable technology to ultra-fast components for next-generation wireless networks."

From Science Daily • Jun. 4, 2026

The broadband market has already been experiencing upheaval as wireless companies — AT&T included — push fixed wireless access, or FWA, a technology that uses spare mobile capacity to provide customers with home internet service.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

Fed officials already consult a range of gauges that exclude outliers, such as a plunge in wireless phone prices or a one-off tariff bump.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

Jack calls the phone company to find out how to install Wi-Fi in the house, then sets about getting a modem and wireless router.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline