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

Don’t accept more travel than your bandwidth, or your family, can bear. —Marie Holive, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

In football, the great centers not only recognize defensive tells but also have the bandwidth during the stress of the 40-second countdown to voice or signal those observations to those around them. —Alec Lewis, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025

This is a masterclass in respecting both your child’s needs and your own bandwidth. —Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, CNBC, 30 July 2025

The great thing about Wednesday is she’s got the bandwidth of an AM radio — in season one, just a hug could be emotional. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 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