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

The team observed laser emissions in two distinct wavelengths for all color regions of the feathers' eyespots, with the green color regions emitting the most intense laser light. —Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2025

Some celebrities and their nail artists are just always on the same wavelength. —Marci Robin, Allure, 29 July 2025

Premature Skin Aging There are two wavelengths of UV light. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025

At this, the thickest part of Earth’s atmosphere, shorter wavelengths of light, such as blue and violet, scatter away, while longer wavelengths — including red and orange — pass through more easily. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 14 July 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