radio frequency

noun

: any of the electromagnetic wave frequencies that lie in the range extending from below 3 kilohertz to about 300 gigahertz and that include the frequencies used for communications signals (as for radio and television broadcasting and cell-phone and satellite transmissions) or radar signals

Examples of radio frequency in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When a radio wave encounters an electron in interstellar space, lower radio frequencies interact more strongly than higher frequencies, causing the lower frequencies to be delayed and arrive at their destination later than higher frequencies. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 8 Mar. 2026

So, the company needs to work with chip and modem makers to integrate the radio frequencies, a process SpaceX CEO Elon Musk estimates will take about two years. —Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 4 Mar. 2026

Checkpoint Systems, a global provider of RFID and RF technology solutions, was founded in 1969 and, by the mid-2000s, was known for its radio frequency technology expertise. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 26 Feb. 2026

Bryan Lium told the panel the Skydio drones can easily switch between radio frequencies and different cell towers to maintain connectivity. —Nathaniel Percy, Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for radio frequency

• multifrequency
• infrequency

Kids Definition

radio frequency

noun

: any of the electromagnetic wave frequencies between about 3 kilohertz and 300 gigahertz that are used especially in radio and television transmission and in radar

Medical Definition

radio frequency

noun

: any of the electromagnetic wave frequencies that lie in a range extending from below 3 kilohertz to about 300 gigahertz and that include the frequencies used for communications signals (as for radio and television broadcasting and cell-phone transmissions) or radar signals

—often hyphenated when used before another noun

radio-frequency waves