wireless

American  

[wahyuhr-lis] / ˈwaɪər lɪs /

adjective

1. having no wire.

2. noting or pertaining to any of various devices that are operated with or actuated by electromagnetic waves.

3. Chiefly British. radio.

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noun

1. wireless telegraphy or telephony.

2. a wireless telegraph or telephone, or the like.

3. any system or device, as a cell phone, for transmitting messages or signals by electromagnetic waves.

4. a wireless message.

5. Chiefly British. radio.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to telegraph or telephone by wireless.

wireless British  

/ ˈwaɪəlɪs /

adjective

1. communicating without connecting wires or other material contacts

   wireless networks

   wireless internet connection

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noun

1. old-fashioned another word for radio

Other Word Forms

• prewireless
  adjective
• wirelessly
  adverb
• wirelessness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of wireless

First recorded in 1890–95; wire + -less

Example Sentences

"However, the omnipresent wireless networks might become a nearly comprehensive surveillance infrastructure with one concerning property: they are invisible and raise no suspicion."

From Science Daily • May 23, 2026

According to the researchers, nearby wireless devices connected to the network still generate enough signal activity for the system to work.

From Science Daily • May 23, 2026

Many of these drones are flown using fibre optic cable connections - rather than radio or other wireless signals - making them difficult to intercept with current Israeli electronic counter-measures.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Some of those industries are telecom, with space-based systems delivering wireless service.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Celestina ended her song on a very long, high-pitched note and loud applause issued out of the wireless, which Mrs. Weasley joined in with enthusiastically.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling