shortwave

American  

[shawrt-weyv] / ˈʃɔrtˈweɪv /

noun

1. Electricity. a radio wave shorter than that used in AM broadcasting, corresponding to frequencies of over 1600 kilohertz: used for long-distance reception or transmission.

2. shortwave radio.

3. Physics. a wave of electromagnetic radiation equal in length to, or shorter than, the wavelength of visible light.

---

adjective

1. of, relating to, or using shortwaves.

verb (used with or without object)

shortwaved, shortwaving

1. to transmit by shortwaves.

shortwave Scientific  

/ shôrt′wāv′ /

1. A radio wave with a frequency between 5.9 megahertz and 26.1 megahertz. Shortwaves broadcast from the Earth's surface are reflected by the upper atmosphere and can travel great distances around the planet. The shortwave band of the electromagnetic spectrum is used for amateur radio communications.

---

Etymology

Origin of shortwave

First recorded in 1900–05; short + wave

Example Sentences

Amsterdam-based nonprofit Radio Zamaneh began shortwave broadcasts during the January protests, sending a nightly Farsi news programme from 11:00 pm Tehran time.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Many are small Chinese tankers that make their presence and origin known to the Revolutionary Guard through loudspeakers and shortwave radio.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

Although authorities in some of these countries block the broadcasts - VOA, for instance, is banned in China - people can listen to them on shortwave radio, or get around the restrictions via VPNs.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2025

They communicated with her via shortwave radio, playing a waltz and a song from the opera Madame Butterfly as signals that her handlers had a message for her.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 6, 2023

Düwer is enthusiastic about Helmuth's shortwave radio, and he asks to listen again.

From "The Boy Who Dared" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Related Words

• transmission
• wireless