television
noun
tele·vi·sion
ˈte-lə-ˌvi-zhən 
especially British ˌte-lə-ˈvi-
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
c
: programming distributed over the Internet that is designed to be viewed in the same format as broadcast television
A couple of couch companions watching TV on tablets might not see the same thing any more, even when watching the same shows. Ad personalization … has come to streaming television.—
Donna Howell
Donna HowellThe quarter was the 10th anniversary of Netflix's streaming service, which began with the vision that internet television would ultimately replace traditional television.—Emily Steel
Emily SteelExamples of television in a Sentence
people who turn on the television the minute they walk in the door
Recent Examples on the Web
Just as the late public television icon helped kids navigate the complexities of childhood, Chiusano wants to help young adults think about how to approach their careers and their potential to make an impact.
—Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 6 Dec. 2025
The visually upgraded version presents Mad Men in the now-standard widescreen format, something all modern TVs, laptops, tablets, and phones are geared toward, as opposed to the boxy televisions of old.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2025
The video of Mendoza’s killing, which appears to have been filmed from the perspective of closed-circuit television, has been posted to several social media accounts, said Bryan Harrison, an attorney representing Mendoza’s family.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 6 Dec. 2025
The 31st Critics Choice Awards are a few weeks away, celebrating the crème of film and television from the past year—and marking the formal start of Hollywood’s parade of award ceremonies, culminating with the Oscars in March.
—Vogue, 6 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for television
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 6 Dec. 2025
The visually upgraded version presents Mad Men in the now-standard widescreen format, something all modern TVs, laptops, tablets, and phones are geared toward, as opposed to the boxy televisions of old.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2025
The video of Mendoza’s killing, which appears to have been filmed from the perspective of closed-circuit television, has been posted to several social media accounts, said Bryan Harrison, an attorney representing Mendoza’s family.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 6 Dec. 2025
The 31st Critics Choice Awards are a few weeks away, celebrating the crème of film and television from the past year—and marking the formal start of Hollywood’s parade of award ceremonies, culminating with the Oscars in March.
—Vogue, 6 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for television
Cite this Entry
“Television.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/television. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
television
noun
tele·vi·sion
ˈtel-ə-ˌvizh-ən
1
: an electronic system of transmitting images with sound over a wire or through space by devices that change light and sound into electrical waves and then change these back into light and sound
2
: a television receiving set
3
: the television broadcasting industry
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share