wireless

1 of 2

adjective

wire·​less ˈwī(-ə)r-ləs How to pronounce wireless (audio)
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

Example Sentences

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
For wireless charging, some chargers include a fan to help dissipate heat during charging. Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 11 Apr. 2023 Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio are standard, but wireless smartphone charging, rear-seat USB charging ports, and a JBL stereo system are optional. Drew Dorian, Car and Driver, 7 Apr. 2023 Amazon is now shipping kits for Sidewalk, its long-range wireless network that connects Internet of Things devices. David Meyer, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2023 The new e-bikes are equipped with full retroreflective coverings, cellphone holders with wireless charging and a 60-mile range. Luz Lazo, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2023 This is the usual price for the midrange Pixel 6A, which also gets frequent discounts, but the Pixel 7 has a larger screen, newer processor, and extra niceties like wireless Qi charging. Antonio G. Di Benedetto, The Verge, 20 Mar. 2023 Simply set your phone on top of the wooden block for easy, wireless charging. Deanne Revel, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2023 Tech writer Higginbotham enjoys covering the Internet of Things because the topic encompasses semiconductors, wireless networks, and computing hardware. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Mar. 2023 Many Android phones have wireless charging. Jim Rossman, Dallas News, 12 Mar. 2023
Noun
Low-cost wireless isn't glamorous. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2023 The $129 second-generation Pencil magnetically attaches to the tablet for wireless charging. Nicole Nguyen, WSJ, 25 Oct. 2022 Airpod Max wireless set. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2022 Starting March 12, Verizon wireless, 5G Home and LTE Home customers can get one year of Netflix’s Premium plan for no extra charge through Verizon’s +play subscription hub. Todd Spangler, Variety, 9 Mar. 2023 Kim Williams, a licensed fitter at Hope's Boutique in the Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, agrees regarding going wireless. Health, 1 Mar. 2023 Unlike the previous Pixel buds, Google did trade off wireless charging for a reduced price. Olivia Lipski, Good Housekeeping, 25 Jan. 2023 Kande pointed out that the adoption of 5G wireless, which can be 100 times faster than 4G at 10% of the cost, will boost access to the metaverse. Nick Rockel, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2022 Consider simplifying their quest with this sleek wireless charging dock with a catch-all tray. Lindsay Tigar, Peoplemag, 3 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wireless.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of wireless was in 1894

Dictionary Entries Near wireless

Cite this Entry

“Wireless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wireless. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

wireless

1 of 2 adjective
wire·​less ˈwī(ə)r-ləs How to pronounce wireless (audio)
1
: having no wire or wires
2
: of or relating to radio communications
a wireless phone

wireless

2 of 2 noun
1
: communication at a distance involving signals transmitted by radio waves rather than over wires
2
chiefly British : radio entry 1

More from Merriam-Webster on wireless

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