television

noun

tele·​vi·​sion ˈte-lə-ˌvi-zhən How to pronounce television (audio)
 especially British  ˌte-lə-ˈvi-
often attributive
1
: an electronic system of transmitting transient images of fixed or moving objects together with sound over a wire or through space by apparatus that converts light and sound into electrical waves and reconverts them into visible light rays and audible sound
2
: a television receiving set
3
a
: the television broadcasting industry
b
: television as a medium of communication
c
: programming distributed over the Internet that is designed to be viewed in the same format as broadcast television
A couple of couch companions watching TV on tablets might not see the same thing any more, even when watching the same shows. Ad personalization—routine for most of the Web—has come to streaming television.Donna Howell
The quarter was the 10th anniversary of Netflix's streaming service, which began with the vision that internet television would ultimately replace traditional television.Emily Steel

Examples of television in a Sentence

people who turn on the television the minute they walk in the door
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.
Shonda Rhimes has produced some of the most successful television series, like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and Bridgerton. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2025 Their empire is only bound to grow, thanks to their reality television series Paul American, out March 2025, giving viewers an inside look at their lives and businesses. Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 27 Mar. 2025 The movie is still seeking a television or streaming deal in the United States. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025 She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for television

Word History

Etymology

French télévision, from télé- tele- + vision vision

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of television was in 1900

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Television.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/television. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

television

noun
tele·​vi·​sion ˈtel-ə-ˌvizh-ən How to pronounce television (audio)
1
: an electronic system of transmitting images with sound over a wire or through space by devices that change light and sound into electrical waves and then change these back into light and sound
2
: a television receiving set
3
: the television broadcasting industry

More from Merriam-Webster on television

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