television
Americannoun
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televisions
plural
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the transmission of programming, in the form of still or moving images, via radio waves, cable wires, satellite, or wireless network to a receiver or other screen.
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the process or product involved.
to watch television.
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an electronic device or set for receiving television broadcasts or similar programming.
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the field of television broadcasting, or similar transmission of programming.
noun
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the system or process of producing on a distant screen a series of transient visible images, usually with an accompanying sound signal. Electrical signals, converted from optical images by a camera tube, are transmitted by UHF or VHF radio waves or by cable and reconverted into optical images by means of a television tube inside a television set
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Also called: television set. a device designed to receive and convert incoming electrical signals into a series of visible images on a screen together with accompanying sound
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the content, etc, of television programmes
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the occupation or profession concerned with any aspect of the broadcasting of television programmes
he's in television
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(modifier) of, relating to, or used in the transmission or reception of video and audio UHF or VHF radio signals
a television transmitter
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of television
Explanation
A television is an electronic device that broadcasts entertaining programs you can watch and listen to. You and your parents might argue over how much television you're allowed to watch on school nights. If you're North American, you probably call a television a TV, while in the UK it's common to use the nickname telly. The word television was first used for the very earliest versions of the TV, around 1900. The word comes from the Greek root tele, "far off," and the Latin visio, "sight." Other names suggested at the time for this brand new technology included telephote and televista.
Vocabulary lists containing television
Frankenwords: Words with Roots from Different Languages
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Journalism
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Media Literacy - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
James said the deal “will allow the film and television industry to continue to thrive with more movies produced in America and $1.5 billion of new investment in film production.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2026
Zucker, who has played himself before on television but never in a movie, said he was immediately interested in cameoing when director Lance Oppenheim presented the opportunity.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026
I set up my cutting board at the bar in front of the television, clean and chop everything, then stash it in labeled deli tubs.
From Salon ● Sep. 22, 2026
An elite-level European football match will be played on Sunday at a neutral stadium, with no 'away' fans, and reduced television coverage.
From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026
“I watch late-night reality television, too, you know.”
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
Long known for its light bulbs and televisions, the Dutch consumer electronics giant has since refocused production on medical equipment.
From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026
Lachlan Murdoch led Fox’s purchase of Tubi, which provides free TV channels and movies for smart televisions, keeping Fox in the streaming game.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2026
The business, based in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, was known by many pubgoers for its eccentric rules including banning mobile phones, music, televisions and swearing at their sites.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026
Roku still sells streaming sticks and smart televisions, but devices account for a relatively small portion of its business.
From Salon ● Jun. 21, 2026
The Careers' willingness to leave their supplies, Foxface's reaction, the involvement of the boy from District 3, where they have the factories, where they make televisions and automobiles and explosives.
From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
