transmitter

American  

[trans-mit-er, tranz-] / trænsˈmɪt ər, trænz- /

noun

1. a person or thing that transmits.

2. Also called transmitting set.  Radio. a device for sending electromagnetic waves; the part of a broadcasting apparatus that generates and modulates the radiofrequency current and conveys it to the antenna.

3. the part of a telephonic or telegraphic apparatus that converts sound waves or mechanical movements into corresponding electric waves or impulses.

4. Biochemistry. neurotransmitter.

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transmitter British  

/ trænzˈmɪtə /

noun

1. a person or thing that transmits

2. the equipment used for generating and amplifying a radio-frequency carrier, modulating the carrier with information, and feeding it to an aerial for transmission

3. the microphone in a telephone that converts sound waves into audio-frequency electrical signals

4. a device that converts mechanical movements into coded electrical signals transmitted along a telegraph circuit

5. physiol short for neurotransmitter

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transmitter Scientific  

/ trăns′mĭt-ər /

1. A device that converts sound, light, or electrical signals into radio, microwave, or other electrical signals of sufficient strength for the purpose of telecommunication.

2. Compare receiver

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Etymology

Origin of transmitter

First recorded in 1720–30; transmit + -er ¹

Example Sentences

For decades, proportional response functioned less as a strategy than a ritual: hit a transmitter, strike a barracks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

In a study published in Advanced Photonics Nexus, researchers developed a compact optical wireless transmitter that delivers both extremely high speeds and improved energy efficiency.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

All one needs is "another radio transmitter that can broadcast on the same frequency, but louder," she said, which creates "a wall of mush."

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

Its first broadcast - made on a transmitter loaned to the US by the BBC - stated a modest purpose.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2025

He expects to be asked to look over the equipment, as usual, but there is none: no corpses, no transmitter, not even a simple listening set.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr