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

The new system compresses that capability into a device spanning just a few square centimeters, without sacrificing power, pulse duration, or bandwidth. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025

The service—which allows users to set their location to over 160 locations in 105 countries with unlimited bandwidth—offers a 30-day free trial and a money-back guarantee. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 4 Nov. 2025

During the flight, Isaacman and the crew successfully tested the streaming bandwidth of SpaceX's Starlink broadband-satellite constellation. —PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2025

These next-generation fiber and cable networks offer faster uploads, lower latency and more bandwidth for demanding users. —Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 3 Nov. 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