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.

---

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

---

noun

1. old-fashioned another word for radio

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• wirelessly
  adverb
• wirelessness
  noun
• prewireless
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of wireless

First recorded in 1890–95; wire + -less

Example Sentences

That business is coming from wireless network operators, including Verizon Communications and AT&T.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

The broadband market has already been experiencing upheaval as wireless companies — AT&T included — push fixed wireless access, or FWA, a technology that uses spare mobile capacity to provide customers with home internet service.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

"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

The satellite and telecommunications company struck a deal to license some of its wireless spectrum to SpaceX for $17 billion in cash and stock.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

“We can afford wireless mics that work, cushions for the seats, or maybe a whole new auditorium.”

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty