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

To broaden the range of wavelengths NPs can absorb, the team proposed using self-assembling gold supraballs. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026

The jet carried a high-resolution, high-speed camera that measured the sun's corona in wavelengths ranging from infrared to visible light. —Brett Tingley, Space.com, 28 Jan. 2026

On that wavelength, the series is often charming and easy to knock back. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2026

An actor working with a director for the first time spends weeks figuring out communication styles, creative wavelengths and establishing trust. —Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

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