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

Blue light blocking glasses are lenses coated to filter a portion of the blue-violet wavelengths emitted by phones, tablets and computer screens. —Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026

Producing stable laser light at this wavelength and precisely matching it to the nuclear transition pushed existing technology to its limits. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026

These lenses use specialized materials or additives built into the lens itself to absorb light in the 380 to 460 nanometer wavelength range, according to Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates. —Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026

The flickering of the quasar at different wavelengths is connected to variations in the temperature of the gas swirling around this black hole. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 12 June 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