airwaves

American

[air-weyvz] / ˈɛərˌweɪvz /

plural noun

the media of radio and television broadcasting.

The airwaves were filled with news flashes about the crisis.

airwaves British

/ ˈɛəˌweɪvz /

plural noun

informal radio waves used in radio and television broadcasting

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of airwaves

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

But the security forces are working to make their presence felt on the ground and over the airwaves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

Carr, however, has defended the warning, arguing that broadcasters using publicly licensed airwaves must provide accurate information to viewers.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

Returning to the airwaves after he missed last Friday's show, he said his dad was "not very well at the moment" but is "still with us".

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

A moment later, Louie’s voice came over the airwaves, calling a greeting to Torrance.

From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023