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

"It's really difficult for the regime to jam shortwave because it's a long-distance broadcast," executive director Rieneke van Santen told AFP.

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

At night, she turns on the shortwave radio to eavesdrop on other starving families without being tempted to help.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2025

Although authorities in some of these countries block the broadcasts - VOA, for instance, is banned in China - people can listen to them on shortwave radio, or get around the restrictions via VPNs.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2025

Marvin LaBlue had a big battery-powered shortwave radio beside him, tuned softly to WBAP, a country and western station in Fort Worth-Dallas.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

Related Words

• transmission
• wireless