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

Our eyes are sensitive to only three specific wavelengths: red, green, and blue. —Rhett Allain, WIRED, 27 Dec. 2024

The different colors that look like festive, twinkling lights on a tree represent the varying wavelengths of light. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 20 Dec. 2024

This investigation is possible because chemical elements absorb and emit light at characteristic wavelengths. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 Dec. 2024

These techniques have been used for some time at optical wavelengths. —The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 17 Dec. 2024

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