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

In the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, cable operators accounted for one out of every three new wireless customers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The editorial is right to support greater competition in the wireless market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

While still in the early stages, this breakthrough suggests that quantum batteries could one day deliver faster charging, wireless energy transfer, and performance that surpasses today's battery technologies.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

Large infrastructure funds are eyeing the telecommunications and wireless communications infrastructure company, according to the report, which says that SBA is currently evaluating interest from parties and is in discussions with advisors.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

A wireless visor was snapped into a holder beside it.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline