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 researchers then tested whether the approach could transfer to another laser wavelength. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 Shorter blue wavelengths scatter more efficiently, while longer red and orange wavelengths are bent into the shadow and onto the moon. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026 As Shuter reported, the two are on very different wavelengths. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 28 Aug. 2026 Many molecules in nature absorb certain light wavelengths while reflecting others as visible color. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 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

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

wave height

wavelength

waveless

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Wavelength.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wavelength. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

More from Merriam-Webster on wavelength

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes