wireless

1 of 2

adjective

wire·​less ˈwī(-ə)r-ləs 

1

: having no wire or wires

specifically : operating by means of transmitted electromagnetic waves

a wireless remote

2

a

: of or relating to radiotelephony, radiotelegraph, or radio

a wireless phone

b

: of or relating to data communications using radio waves

wireless Internet access

wirelessly adverb

wireless

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: telecommunication (such as wireless telegraphy or radiotelephony) involving signals transmitted by radio waves rather than over wires

also : the technology used in radio telecommunication

b

: access to a wireless Internet network

a coffee shop with excellent wireless

2

chiefly British : radio

Examples of wireless in a Sentence

Adjective

The video game console comes with wireless controllers.

The café offers free wireless Internet access.

Noun

She listened to the wireless every Monday night.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Others, such as this monstrosity Intel attempted as a wireless PC controller in 1999, required prominent base stations to be installed. —Matt Kamen, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024

Mazda does the interior right with an upper door panel trim in the same exterior color, gray contrast-color seat stitching, heated seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, satellite radio and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. —James Raia, The Mercury News, 3 Nov. 2024

Noun

The success of their products and services is supported by a variety of internet, wireless, and IoT service providers. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024

After five years of development, Focal now introduces the Diva Utopia, the brand’s first wireless, active loudspeaker, one designed to simplify the equation by eliminating the requirement for most components upstream of the speakers themselves. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing wireless

• wireless provider
• wireless telegraphy
• wireless telephone

Kids Definition

wireless

1 of 2 adjective

wire·​less ˈwī(ə)r-ləs 

1

: having no wire or wires

2

: of or relating to radio communications

a wireless phone

3

: of or relating to data communications using radio waves

a wireless Internet connection

wirelessly adverb

wireless

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: communication at a distance involving signals transmitted by radio waves rather than over wires

b

: access to a wireless Internet network

2

chiefly British : radio entry 1