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

McGowan said his top priority is understanding the cause of the faulty wireless emergency alerts — and fixing the problem. —Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025

The base model 2026 Kia Sportage LX comes standard with 12.3-inch dual panoramic displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 10 May 2025

Noun

The Edge supports fast charging up to 25W, along with 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging (the wattage isn't specified, but is likely 4.5W like other S phones). —Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 13 May 2025

Furthermore, the new smartphone sports wireless charging, just like the S25 Ultra, contrary to some early reports. —Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 13 May 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