bandwidth

noun

band·​width ˈband-ˌwidth 

-ˌwitth

1

: a range within a band of wavelengths, frequencies, or energies

especially : a range of radio frequencies which is occupied by a modulated carrier wave, which is assigned to a service, or over which a device can operate

2

: the capacity for data transfer of an electronic communications system

Graphics consume more bandwidth than text does.

especially : the maximum data transfer rate of such a system

a bandwidth of 100 megabits per second

3

: the emotional or mental capacity necessary to do or consider something

I don't have the bandwidth to do it all myself, and I feel like a failure because I'm not living up to my own ideals.

—Frances Lefkowitz

Examples of bandwidth in a Sentence

The modem has a bandwidth of 56 kilobits per second.

Graphics use more bandwidth than text does.

Recent Examples on the Web

This generational phase is more reliant on memory and networking bandwidth. —Jim McGregor, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

At a time when many investors lack operational bandwidth and expertise, those who can close quickly and manage properties directly will have the edge. —Greg Friedman, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025

Heath also wants to connect with business owners and industry professionals who might not have the bandwidth to leave their jobs to come teach, but would welcome students to learn on-site. —Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025

Using a proprietary high-bandwidth memory, the company claims to overcome the bottleneck that forced China to rely on US and South Korean suppliers for the chips. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bandwidth

noun

band·​width ˈband-ˌwidth 

1

: a range of frequencies

2

: the capacity for or rate of data transfer

a high bandwidth Internet connection