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

Atoms of different elements absorb different wavelengths, so each element leaves a distinct fingerprint. — Rahul Rao, Space.com, 23 July 2026

Ordinary human color vision runs on three types of cone cells in the retina, each carrying a light-sensitive pigment tuned to a different band of wavelengths — roughly short (perceived as blue), medium (green) and long (red). — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Each layer is optimized to absorb a distinct wavelength of the solar spectrum. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026

Smoke could also make for hazy orange skies because the particles tend to scatter blue light but allow orange and red wavelengths to pass through. — Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 14 July 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