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

Distant galaxies appear red because their light is stretched (red light has longer wavelengths) by the expanding universe stretching it. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

These glasses emit a specific wavelength of light that simulates daylight, even on the gloomiest days. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 13 Dec. 2024

Colors with shorter wavelengths, such as blues and violets, scatter more easily than colors with longer wavelengths, which include red and orange. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 10 Dec. 2024

The audience just may be less so on their wavelength. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 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