bandwidth

noun

band·​width ˈband-ˌwidth How to pronounce bandwidth (audio)
-ˌwitth
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.
Cruise lines arrange transportation, accommodations and activities, freeing up bandwidth for guests to focus on enjoying themselves. Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024 The service—which allows users to set their location to more than 160 locations in 90 countries with unlimited bandwidth—offers a 30-day-money-back guarantee. Monica Mercuri, StyleCaster, 21 Oct. 2024 The chatbots can handle inquiries quickly and efficiently, creating bandwidth and capacity for many teams. Sol Rashidi, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024 During this exercise, leadership will need to take into account paid time off, holidays and staffing to forecast the bandwidth for the remainder of the year. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near bandwidth

Cite this Entry

“Bandwidth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bandwidth. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bandwidth

noun
band·​width ˈband-ˌwidth How to pronounce bandwidth (audio)
1
: a range of frequencies
2
: the capacity for or rate of data transfer
a high bandwidth Internet connection

More from Merriam-Webster on bandwidth

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