shortwave

American  

[shawrt-weyv] / ˈʃɔrtˈweɪv /

noun

1. Electricity. a radio wave shorter than that used in AM broadcasting, corresponding to frequencies of over 1600 kilohertz: used for long-distance reception or transmission.

2. shortwave radio.

3. Physics. a wave of electromagnetic radiation equal in length to, or shorter than, the wavelength of visible light.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or using shortwaves.

verb (used with or without object)

shortwaved, shortwaving

1. to transmit by shortwaves.

shortwave Scientific  

/ shôrt′wāv′ /

1. A radio wave with a frequency between 5.9 megahertz and 26.1 megahertz. Shortwaves broadcast from the Earth's surface are reflected by the upper atmosphere and can travel great distances around the planet. The shortwave band of the electromagnetic spectrum is used for amateur radio communications.

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Etymology

Origin of shortwave

First recorded in 1900–05; short + wave

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

shortwave shortwaving

He regularly gets on the subspace shortwave looking for any others of his kind left on Earth.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2026

Amsterdam-based nonprofit Radio Zamaneh began shortwave broadcasts during the January protests, sending a nightly Farsi news programme from 11:00 pm Tehran time.

From Barron's ● Mar. 13, 2026

Many are small Chinese tankers that make their presence and origin known to the Revolutionary Guard through loudspeakers and shortwave radio.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 11, 2026

They’ll deliver higher-resolution images and include shortwave infrared scanning that will enable imaging at night and through clouds.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 20, 2023

I turned on my shortwave radio, and with Dad’s help I was able to pick up someone speaking Greek, which was nice.

From "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer

Last week the Commission issued regulations which put a new complexion on U. S. shortwaving.

From Time Magazine Archive

Related Words

• transmission
• wireless