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

Save on a clothes steamer with more than 80,500 five-star ratings and this Warner’s wireless bra that reviewers agree is soft, supportive, and comfortable. —Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025

Controlling the entertainment is undertaken via the top of the unit or by pushing buttons on the remote, which can be stowed in a top compartment together with two wireless microphones that cater for karaoke sessions. —New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2025

Noun

The case supports wireless charging, though at a slower rate. —PC Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025

And, of course, teens will love tuning out the rest of the world with these five-star Bluetooth wireless earbuds. —Anja Webb, Parents, 24 Sep. 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