plural radios
1
: the system or process that is used for sending and receiving signals through the air without using wires
The news was sent/received by/over radio.
—often used before another nounradio communications/signals
2
: programs that are broadcast by radio
I listen to the radio all the time.
I heard the news/song on the radio.
—often used before another nounradio programs/shows/stations
3
a
: a device that is used to receive the signals that are broadcast by radio
There's a problem with the car's radio.
a portable/transistor radio
The radio was playing very loudly.
Turn up/down/on/off the radio.
b
: a device that is used to send and receive messages by radio
two-way radios
The pilot's radio wasn't working.
4
: the business that makes and broadcasts radio programs
He became the most popular talk show host in radio.
She is a powerful force in radio.
radios; radioed; radioing
: to send a message to someone by radio
The police radioed for backup.
The stranded sailors were radioing for help.
The pilot radioed in to the control tower.
The police radioed a report back to the station.
They radioed the Coast Guard for help.
Cite this Entry
“Radio.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/radio. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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