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

This external transceiver powers the system through inductive charging, not unlike wireless smartphone charging. —New Atlas, 21 Nov. 2025

Striking in looks and performance, these comfy over-ear wireless headphones feature top-notch active noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, and a long battery life, lasting up to 55 hours per charge in noise-canceling mode. —PC Magazine, 21 Nov. 2025

Noun

The AirPods 4 are Apple's most affordable wireless earbuds, and this early Black Friday deal drops them to under $80. —PC Magazine, 22 Nov. 2025

Both of those options support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. —New Atlas, 22 Nov. 2025

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