wireless

1 of 2

adjective

wire·​less ˈwī(-ə)r-ləs 

1

: having no wire or wires

specifically : operating by means of transmitted electromagnetic waves

a wireless remote

2

a

: of or relating to radiotelephony, radiotelegraph, or radio

a wireless phone

b

: of or relating to data communications using radio waves

wireless Internet access

wirelessly adverb

wireless

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: telecommunication (such as wireless telegraphy or radiotelephony) involving signals transmitted by radio waves rather than over wires

also : the technology used in radio telecommunication

b

: access to a wireless Internet network

a coffee shop with excellent wireless

2

chiefly British : radio

Examples of wireless in a Sentence

Adjective

The video game console comes with wireless controllers.

The café offers free wireless Internet access.

Noun

She listened to the wireless every Monday night.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Since the success of AirPods, Apple has since launched other versions of the wireless earbuds, like AirPods Pro and AirPods Max , which both offer noise-cancellation technology. —Sophie Hanson, StyleCaster, 16 July 2024

Included in the savings are must-have devices like wireless earbuds, power banks, portable speakers, extension cords, and more essentials, and discounts reach a whopping 72 percent off. Panasonic ErgoFit Wireless Earbuds, $39.96 (orig. —Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 16 July 2024

Noun

Packed with a ton of modern features like wireless charging and bluetooth speakers, this nightstand is a sleek and reliable option for any living space or bedroom. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2024

A lot of people just listen to them on the wireless. —Alexandra Petri, Washington Post, 28 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing wireless

• wireless provider
• wireless telegraphy
• wireless telephone

Kids Definition

wireless

1 of 2 adjective

wire·​less ˈwī(ə)r-ləs 

1

: having no wire or wires

2

: of or relating to radio communications

a wireless phone

3

: of or relating to data communications using radio waves

a wireless Internet connection

wirelessly adverb

wireless

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: communication at a distance involving signals transmitted by radio waves rather than over wires

b

: access to a wireless Internet network

2

chiefly British : radio entry 1