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

Little kids can learn to ski here with a individual or group lesson, and the instructors are extraordinary both in terms of getting on the student’s individual wavelength and teaching foundational skills that will last a lifetime. —Kim Westerman, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Researchers used multispectral imaging, which relies on different wavelengths of light like ultraviolet and infrared, to reveal details in the manuscript that the naked eye could not spot. —Alan Yuhas, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

The lab says the imaging spectrometer aboard the satellite measures hundreds of wavelengths of light that are reflected by the Earth’s surface. —Rob Nikolewski, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025

The penultimate episode ended with Devon’s idea to put innie Mark and outie Mark on the same wavelength with one another. —Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025

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