transmission

noun

trans·​mis·​sion tran(t)s-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce transmission (audio) tranz- How to pronounce transmission (audio)
1
: an act, process, or instance of transmitting
transmission of a nerve impulse across a synapse
2
: the passage of radio waves in the space between transmitting and receiving stations
also : the act or process of transmitting by radio or television
3
: an assembly of parts including the speed-changing gears and the driveshaft by which the power is transmitted from an engine to a live axle
also : the speed-changing gears in such an assembly
4
: something that is transmitted : message
transmissive adjective
transmissivity noun

Did you know?

Since trans- means "across", it's not hard to see the meaning of transmission. Disease transmission occurs when an infection passes from one living thing to another. TV signal transmission can be interrupted by tree leaves, including moving leaves and branches during a storm. Your car's transmission transmits the engine's power to the axle, changing the gears to keep the engine working with maximum efficiency at various speeds.

Examples of transmission in a Sentence

The equipment is used for the transmission of television signals. We are receiving a live transmission from the scene of the accident. the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next My car has a manual transmission. This car comes with automatic transmission.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said other cases arose from community transmission or during travel. Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 6 July 2025 These represent a particular threat to above-ground transmission wires, transformers and utility poles, which transmit and distribute most electricity but are thus exposed and vulnerable to the elements. Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025 The latter can be had with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed ‘quick shift’ sequential transmission, and a limited-slip differential to put down all that power more effectively. New Atlas, 4 July 2025 According to a police transmission obtained by CBS News Miami, a woman in the home saw the child in the pool but was unable to help. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for transmission

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Latin transmission-, transmissio, from transmittere to transmit

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of transmission was in 1611

Cite this Entry

“Transmission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transmission. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

transmission

noun
trans·​mis·​sion tran(t)s-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce transmission (audio) tranz- How to pronounce transmission (audio)
1
: an act, process, or example of transmitting
2
: the passage of radio waves in the space between transmitting and receiving stations
3
: the gears by which the power is transmitted from the engine to the axle that gives motion to a motor vehicle
4
: something transmitted

Medical Definition

transmission

noun
trans·​mis·​sion tran(t)s-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce transmission (audio) tranz- How to pronounce transmission (audio)
: an act, process, or instance of transmitting
transmission of HIV
synaptic transmission

Legal Definition

transmission

noun
trans·​mis·​sion tranz-ˈmi-shən, trans- How to pronounce transmission (audio)
: an act, process, or instance of transmitting
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!