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

The researchers collected the data by measuring an effect called Faraday rotation, which occurs when radio waves travel through areas filled with electrons and magnetic fields.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

The Merops autonomously seeks an incoming drone using radio waves, radar or the target’s heat signature.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Over the next decade, Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian aristocrat, developed a practical system of wireless telegraphy using radio waves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 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

Then, less than a century ago, the radio waves leaving the Earth would become stronger, louder, less like noise and more like signals.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan