television

American  

[tel-uh-vizh-uhn] / ˈtɛl əˌvɪʒ ən /

noun

1. the transmission of programming, in the form of still or moving images, via radio waves, cable wires, satellite, or wireless network to a receiver or other screen.

2. the process or product involved.

   to watch television.

3. an electronic device or set for receiving television broadcasts or similar programming.

4. the field of television broadcasting, or similar transmission of programming.

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television British  

/ ˈtɛlɪˌvɪʒən /

noun

1. the system or process of producing on a distant screen a series of transient visible images, usually with an accompanying sound signal. Electrical signals, converted from optical images by a camera tube, are transmitted by UHF or VHF radio waves or by cable and reconverted into optical images by means of a television tube inside a television set

2. Also called: television set.  a device designed to receive and convert incoming electrical signals into a series of visible images on a screen together with accompanying sound

3. the content, etc, of television programmes

4. the occupation or profession concerned with any aspect of the broadcasting of television programmes

   he's in television

5. (modifier) of, relating to, or used in the transmission or reception of video and audio UHF or VHF radio signals

   a television transmitter

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Other Word Forms

• pretelevision adjective
• televisional adjective
• televisionally adverb
• televisionary adjective

Etymology

Origin of television

First recorded in 1905–10; tele- ¹ + vision

Explanation

A television is an electronic device that broadcasts entertaining programs you can watch and listen to. You and your parents might argue over how much television you're allowed to watch on school nights. If you're North American, you probably call a television a TV, while in the UK it's common to use the nickname telly. The word television was first used for the very earliest versions of the TV, around 1900. The word comes from the Greek root tele, "far off," and the Latin visio, "sight." Other names suggested at the time for this brand new technology included telephote and televista.

Example Sentences

Together, he and Marty produced through their production company, Sid & Marty Krofft Pictures, popular series, including their television debut and cult hit, “H.R. Pufnstuf.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Based on measurements of ballplayers’ dimensions — but not, crucially, the stance individual players take at the plate — ABS makes the television strike zone into the actual one.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

Is the habit any worse than vegging out with the television?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Another one of his tattoos is from another television series, Prison Break - and he is still waiting to feel the freedom to perform and for his talent to truly break out.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

As Natalie stumbled blearily to the bathroom, she noticed a television, a case full of books, walls covered with posters of anime characters, and a bright orange kayak in the corner.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

Related Words

• TV set
• audio
• box
• station
• video