radio silence

noun

1

: a lack of transmission by radio : absence of radio transmission

The destroyers were under strict orders to maintain radio silence …

—Claire Barrett

also : the period of time during which there is a lack of transmission by radio

From ancient battles through the Vietnam War, armies have sent messages via homing pigeon when other communication methods failed or during radio silence.

—Phil Borchmann

2

: complete lack of communication, contact, engagement, etc.

They blame their radio silence on being extra busy over the holiday period …

—Natasha Lomas

A couple of days later, I was surprised to hear from the photographer again. He apologized for the radio silence, telling me that it had been a rough week.

—Jackie Finch

Text him twice because he's gone MIA and you'll most likely be rewarded with radio silence.

—Robin Hilmantel

I didn't publish any content; it was complete radio silence on all my public platforms.

—Moniek James

radio silent adjective

Bravo team was sent in first, and quickly went radio silent. … Upon arriving in the area, Alpha team locates Bravo team's downed and abandoned chopper …

—Quinn Smalley

The DMs, empty. E-mails? None. The call for the head coach's job? Quiet. Funny how everyone who shouts from the shadows after Irish losses can go so radio silent after wins.

—Tom Noie

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1