radio waves

Cultural  

1. Waves at the end of the electromagnetic spectrum with the lowest frequency (less than 300 megahertz) and the longest wavelength (from a few feet to many miles). Because of their low frequency, radio waves carry very little energy compared to other electromagnetic waves. (See Planck's constant.)

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Radio waves can pass through the atmosphere and therefore are very useful for communication. Commercial, short-wave, and citizens' band radio are broadcast with radio waves, as is television.

Example Sentences

It uses radar images from satellites, which send radio waves to Earth and measure how they bounce back, showing how far floating tank roofs have risen or fallen—and therefore how much crude is stored inside.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

The film’s portrayal of The Jackson 5 years aims for even rosier nostalgia, evoking memories of hearing a young Michael’s voice, cascading over the radio waves and into the hearts of millions.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

Shakira gently ushered Spanish into the American radio waves with 2005’s massive “Hips Don’t Lie,” then full throttle with Alejandro Sanz in their reggaeton hit “La Tortura.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

This effect occurs when radio waves pass through regions filled with electrons and magnetic fields, causing the waves to shift.

From Science Daily • Feb. 24, 2026

Alternatively, it could mean that the sources were more numerous in the past, at the time that the radio waves left on their journey to us, than they are now.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking