wavelength

noun

wave·length ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th

: the distance in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase

: a particular course or line of thought especially as related to mutual understanding

two people on different wavelengths

Examples of wavelength in a Sentence

Light and sound have different wavelengths.

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.

The result was a movie of the solar surface with a new frame every two seconds and a spatial resolution of about 19 kilometers—right at the theoretical limit of what a 4-meter mirror can do at that wavelength. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026 Sunlight, by contrast, is a jumble of wavelengths headed in every direction. — Sanidhya Sharma, Scientific American, 6 Aug. 2026 The end result is a pair of glasses that let the user simultaneously see infrared wavelengths next to ordinary visible light through one lens. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026 In this case, rapid observations by a network of space- and ground-based telescopes, including a number of NSF NOIRLab observatories, allowed researchers to follow the supernova across multiple wavelengths throughout its early life. — Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wavelength

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of wavelength was in 1850

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Browse Nearby Words

wave height

wavelength

waveless

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Wavelength.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wavelength. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wavelength

noun

wave·length ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th

: the distance (as from crest to crest) in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next corresponding point

: a certain line of thought or behavior that reveals a common understanding

coworkers who are on the same wavelength

Medical Definition

wavelength

noun

wave·length -ˌleŋ(k)th

: the distance in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase

—symbol λ

wavelength

noun

Examples of wavelength in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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