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

This makes it possible to design materials for specific uses, including radar-absorbing coatings, electromagnetic shielding, and advanced wireless 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

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

Looking ahead, similar systems could be built into ceilings, lighting fixtures, or wireless access points, delivering fast, secure, and energy-efficient connections to many users simultaneously.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

Footsore and irritable, Burnham demanded that the steward return to the wireless room for an explanation.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson