1
: a range within a band of wavelengths, frequencies, or energies
especially : a range of radio frequencies which is occupied by a modulated carrier wave, which is assigned to a service, or over which a device can operate
2
: the capacity for data transfer of an electronic communications system
Graphics consume more bandwidth than text does.
especially : the maximum data transfer rate of such a system
a bandwidth of 100 megabits per second
3
: the emotional or mental capacity necessary to do or consider something
I don't have the bandwidth to do it all myself, and I feel like a failure because I'm not living up to my own ideals.Frances Lefkowitz

Examples of bandwidth in a Sentence

The modem has a bandwidth of 56 kilobits per second. Graphics use more bandwidth than text does.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
SanDisk is essentially a storage-memory company focused on NAND flash memory, while Micron specializes in DRAM (dynamic random-access memory), including high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Jeff Marks, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026 Against that backdrop, the relevant question is not whether autonomous aircraft or advanced air mobility have a future, but whether operating three specialized subsidiaries represents the best use of Boeing’s organizational bandwidth. Alex Krutz, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 FastestVPN Pro includes 900+ servers across more than 100 countries, unlimited bandwidth, and unlimited server switching. Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026 But the hidden variables that can dictate virality—expensive recording equipment, proximity to major cities, the time and bandwidth to create and churn out online content—favor those with safety nets and preëxisting cultural capital. Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bandwidth

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bandwidth was in 1913

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bandwidth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bandwidth. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: a range of frequencies
2
: the capacity for or rate of data transfer
a high bandwidth Internet connection

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