wireless

1 of 2

adjective

wire·​less ˈwī(-ə)r-ləs How to pronounce wireless (audio)
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
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.
Adjective
Maxell has developed an all-solid-state battery module that fits the same 1/2AA size as batteries commonly used in industrial equipment, smart meters and IoT devices, while adding wireless charging capability. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 This complies with state law, which bans cell phones, AirPods and any wireless devices. — Julia Avant, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
Its integrated electronics are designed to let existing equipment gain wireless charging functionality without requiring a complicated circuit redesign. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 The Samsung phones support 45W wired and 20W wireless charging, while the Razr Fold supports 80W wired and 50W wireless charging. — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wireless

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of wireless was in 1894

Phrases Containing wireless

Browse Nearby Words

wire lath
wireless
wireless access point
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

wireless

1 of 2 adjective
wire·​less ˈwī(ə)r-ləs How to pronounce wireless (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on wireless

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wireless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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