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 aggressive strategy, aiming for 10 gigawatts of capacity by late 2027, signals a profound scarcity in high-bandwidth memory and AI components, even leading Nvidia to trim specifications on its next-gen products. — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

FastestVPN Pro includes 900+ servers across more than 100 countries, unlimited bandwidth, and unlimited server switching. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026

But the hidden variables that can dictate virality—expensive recording equipment, proximity to major cities, the time and bandwidth to create and churn out online content—favor those with safety nets and preëxisting cultural capital. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026

Your time, patience and emotional bandwidth are on the line, but that doesn’t always promise results. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

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