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

An actual cosmic void — which can indeed be a billion light-years (or more) across — has nothing to do with dark gas clouds and Bok globules, which are small, nearby clouds of light-blocking matter, particularly at optical wavelengths. —Big Think, 26 Mar. 2026

The mid- and high-frequency components that carry vocal detail fade first, while the bass—with its longer wavelengths and greater energy—keeps traveling. —Yook Jihun, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026

These ranges closely match the wavelengths most readily absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain that contributes to the formation of the cellular fuel known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). —Lynne Peeples, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026

The combined data highlights how Saturn's appearance changes across different wavelengths, offering a more complete view of its atmosphere, according to the NASA statement. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 26 Mar. 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