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television

noun, often attributive tele·vi·sion \ ˈte-lə-ˌvi-zhən , especially British ˌte-lə-ˈ \
|Updated on: 20 Jun 2018

Definition of television

1 : an electronic system of transmitting transient images of fixed or moving objects together with sound over a wire or through space by apparatus that converts light and sound into electrical waves and reconverts them into visible light rays and audible sound
2 : a television receiving set
3 a : the television broadcasting industry
b : television as a medium of communication

See television defined for English-language learners

See television defined for kids

Examples of television in a Sentence

  1. people who turn on the television the minute they walk in the door

Recent Examples of television from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'television.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of television

French télévision, from télé- tele- + vision vision

Other Broadcasting Terms

continuity, dissolve, fade, feed, remote, residual, spike, wipe

Phrases Related to TELEVISION

Related Phrases

TELEVISION Defined for English Language Learners

television

noun

Definition of television for English Language Learners

  • : an electronic system of sending images and sounds by a wire or through space

  • : a piece of equipment with a screen that receives images and sounds sent by television

  • : programs that are broadcast by television

TELEVISION Defined for Kids

television

noun tele·vi·sion \ ˈte-lə-ˌvi-zhən \

Definition of television for Students

1 : an electronic system of sending images and sound over a wire or through space by devices that change light and sound into electrical signals and then change these back into light and sound
2 : a piece of equipment with a screen and speakers that reproduces images and sound
3 : programs that are broadcast by television

Learn More about television

  1. See words that rhyme with television Spanish Central: Translation of television Nglish: Translation of television for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of television for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about television

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