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 current strictest Eyesafe requirements for LCDs allow no more than 20% of blue light to be emitted at the 435nm-to-440-nm wavelength, which contains the most blue. —PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025

As this light travels through the atmosphere, shorter wavelengths like blue and violet scatter away, while longer wavelengths (reds and oranges) bend and filter through. —Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Sep. 2025

That's because colors with shorter wavelengths, such as blues and violets, scatter more easily than colors with longer wavelengths, which include red and orange. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Sep. 2025

Pollen naturally absorbs less energy in the visible-to-near-infrared spectrum, which are the wavelengths mainly responsible for generating heat. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 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