bandwidth

noun

band·​width ˈband-ˌwidth 

-ˌwitth

1

: a range within a band of wavelengths, frequencies, or energies

especially : a range of radio frequencies which is occupied by a modulated carrier wave, which is assigned to a service, or over which a device can operate

2

: the capacity for data transfer of an electronic communications system

Graphics consume more bandwidth than text does.

especially : the maximum data transfer rate of such a system

a bandwidth of 100 megabits per second

3

: the emotional or mental capacity necessary to do or consider something

I don't have the bandwidth to do it all myself, and I feel like a failure because I'm not living up to my own ideals.

—Frances Lefkowitz

Examples of bandwidth in a Sentence

The modem has a bandwidth of 56 kilobits per second.

Graphics use more bandwidth than text does.

Recent Examples on the Web

The unpaid level reduces the video bit rate but maintains 2K resolution at a 30fps capture rate (1080p and 720p are also available if your bandwidth is limited). —PC Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025

Protect their bandwidth by eliminating unnecessary meetings, setting realistic deadlines and reinforcing what matters most. —Erin Stafford, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

But OneWeb lacks sufficient bandwidth to make up for the potential impairment of all or most of Taiwan’s fiber-optic cables. —Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Mar. 2025

Democrats had the power to shut down the government but lacked the bandwidth to sell it as the other guys’ fault, or put forth a unified plan on how to reopen the government on better terms. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bandwidth

noun

band·​width ˈband-ˌwidth 

1

: a range of frequencies

2

: the capacity for or rate of data transfer

a high bandwidth Internet connection