wavelength

noun

wave·​length ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th 

1

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

2

: 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

What transforms a quiet, everyday galaxy like the Milky Way into a brilliant cosmic beast, shining so brightly at every wavelength that it can be seen across the universe? —Daniel Clery, science.org, 3 July 2024

This combination of wavelengths can help in the overall improvement of an individual’s health. —Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 3 July 2024

The cold at the lunar poles also makes infrared telescopes vastly more sensitive by shifting the telescopes’ black body radiation to longer wavelengths. —Martin Elvis, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2024

As the light travels a longer path, more of the shorter wavelengths are scattered, leaving redder wavelengths, according to NASA. —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 7 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

wavelength

noun

wave·​length ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th 

1

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

2

: 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