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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.


airwaves British  
/ ˈɛəˌweɪvz /

plural noun

  1. 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.

See Examples For:

He has been appearing on television more since the start of the year, often several times in a week, while Lutnick’s time on the airwaves has diminished.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 28, 2026

JD Vance has been all over the US airwaves promoting his new book about his Christian faith this week while President Donald Trump has been at the G7 in France.

From Barron's Jun. 18, 2026

With nearly 50 years on the airwaves across syndicated radio, television and film, Cody was honored with a star on the Music City Walk of Fame in the fall of 2024.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 11, 2026

Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, also paid tribute to Harris, saying he had filled the airwaves with "love, laughter and captivating stories".

From BBC Jun. 4, 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

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