wireless

1 of 2

adjective

wire·​less ˈwī(-ə)r-ləs 

1

: having no wire or wires

specifically : operating by means of transmitted electromagnetic waves

a wireless remote

2

a

: of or relating to radiotelephony, radiotelegraph, or radio

a wireless phone

b

: of or relating to data communications using radio waves

wireless Internet access

wirelessly adverb

wireless

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: telecommunication (such as wireless telegraphy or radiotelephony) involving signals transmitted by radio waves rather than over wires

also : the technology used in radio telecommunication

b

: access to a wireless Internet network

a coffee shop with excellent wireless

2

chiefly British : radio

Examples of wireless in a Sentence

Adjective

The video game console comes with wireless controllers.

The café offers free wireless Internet access.

Noun

She listened to the wireless every Monday night.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are an in-dash navigation system and a wireless smartphone charging pad. —James Raia, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025

The system ships with two wireless pads that keep the hallmark rotary dial and numeric keypad, maintaining the original design, even if thumbsticks would work a little better. —Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025

Noun

Noise-cancelling is a compelling feature, and Bose is leading the charge with its world-class wireless headphones. —PC Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025

The new tablets feature Apple’s N1 networking chip and support the latest Wi-Fi 7 wireless data speeds. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing wireless

• wireless provider
• wireless telegraphy
• wireless telephone

Kids Definition

wireless

1 of 2 adjective

wire·​less ˈwī(ə)r-ləs 

1

: having no wire or wires

2

: of or relating to radio communications

a wireless phone

3

: of or relating to data communications using radio waves

a wireless Internet connection

wirelessly adverb

wireless

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: communication at a distance involving signals transmitted by radio waves rather than over wires

b

: access to a wireless Internet network

2

chiefly British : radio entry 1