transmitter

American  

[trans-mit-er, tranz-] / trænsˈmɪt ər, trænz- /

noun

transmitters plural

1. a person or thing that transmits.

2. Also called transmitting set.  Radio. a device for sending electromagnetic waves; the part of a broadcasting apparatus that generates and modulates the radiofrequency current and conveys it to the antenna.

3. the part of a telephonic or telegraphic apparatus that converts sound waves or mechanical movements into corresponding electric waves or impulses.

4. Biochemistry. neurotransmitter.

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transmitter British  

/ trænzˈmɪtə /

noun

1. a person or thing that transmits

2. the equipment used for generating and amplifying a radio-frequency carrier, modulating the carrier with information, and feeding it to an aerial for transmission

3. the microphone in a telephone that converts sound waves into audio-frequency electrical signals

4. a device that converts mechanical movements into coded electrical signals transmitted along a telegraph circuit

5. physiol short for neurotransmitter

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transmitter Scientific  

/ trăns′mĭt-ər /

1. A device that converts sound, light, or electrical signals into radio, microwave, or other electrical signals of sufficient strength for the purpose of telecommunication.

2. Compare receiver

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• transmitters
  plural

Etymology

Origin of transmitter

First recorded in 1720–30; transmit + -er ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

transmitter transmitters

The unit was on a training mission when it was redirected to assist in the search and rescue effort, after an emergency locator transmitter signal alerted the US Coast Guard about a potential distress situation.

From BBC ● May 14, 2026

For decades, proportional response functioned less as a strategy than a ritual: hit a transmitter, strike a barracks.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026

Declining to specify where the transmitter is located, she said it is "closer to the Netherlands than to Iran" -- although Tehran "can figure it out" if they choose.

From Barron's ● Mar. 13, 2026

One critical factor that influences how well QKD works is pointing error, which occurs when the transmitter and receiver are not perfectly aligned.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 17, 2026

Before long, he has tuned in both receivers to Volkheimer’s transmitter pinging along.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr

But Iran said in 2016 it was reviving the technology, which requires a network of large ground-based transmitters, though experts have not confirmed it is active today.

From Barron's ● Mar. 16, 2026

Anti-money-laundering laws are tough on banks and money transmitters.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 2, 2026

Between 2017 and 2023, the Arizona-based research team used satellite transmitters to follow 24 newly fledged Bald Eagles and two nonbreeding adults and to map how they moved within and beyond the state.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 11, 2025

They glue tiny radio transmitters to their backs and release them.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 22, 2025

They found weapons, snowshoes, Norwegian currency, radio transmitters, and a map with Vemork circled in blue ink.

From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin