wavelength

noun

wave·​length ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th 

1

: the distance in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase

2

: a particular course or line of thought especially as related to mutual understanding

two people on different wavelengths

Examples of wavelength in a Sentence

Light and sound have different wavelengths.

Recent Examples on the Web

Constant monitoring of the TDE, designated AT 2024tvd, at radio wavelengths over the next 10 months by an array of telescopes identified two distinct radio flares — for some reason, delayed by 80 and 194 days after the onset of the TDE respectively. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2025

Our own review of Battlefield 6 called the game a throwback military fantasy that operates on the same wavelength as 2000s-era multiplayer shooters, which totally aligns with the direction of the game’s soundtrack. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025

What differentiates them is their wavelength. —Thomas Linker, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025

Ordinary matter emits light in various wavelengths, which allows it to easily be seen. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

wavelength

noun

wave·​length ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th 

1

: the distance (as from crest to crest) in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next corresponding point

2

: a certain line of thought or behavior that reveals a common understanding

coworkers who are on the same wavelength

Medical Definition

wavelength

noun

wave·​length -ˌleŋ(k)th 

: the distance in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase

—symbol λ