airwaves: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, journalistic, technical, media business
Quick answer
What does “airwaves” mean?
The radio frequencies used for broadcasting radio and television programmes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The radio frequencies used for broadcasting radio and television programmes.
The medium of broadcast radio or television; the collective space or channels through which broadcast content is transmitted to the public. Often used metaphorically to refer to the public sphere of broadcast media.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is virtually identical. Some minor preferences in phrasing, e.g., 'on the airwaves' is slightly more common in US media, while 'over the airwaves' is equally common in both.
Connotations
Identical. Connotes public communication, mass media, and sometimes regulation (e.g., by Ofcom/FCC).
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American media discourse, but common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “airwaves” in a Sentence
The [programme] hit the airwaves [time phrase][Entity] dominated the airwaves with [content]A [debate] raged over the airwaves.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “airwaves” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The programme was airwaved live from London.
- (Note: 'airwaved' as a verb is extremely rare and non-standard; 'broadcast' is used.)
American English
- The show will be airwaved nationally. (Note: Rare/non-standard; use 'aired' or 'broadcast'.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form exists.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form exists.)
adjective
British English
- airwave spectrum (compound noun)
- airwave regulations (compound noun)
American English
- airwave frequency (compound noun)
- airwave auction (compound noun)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in media industry reports: 'The company spent millions to secure valuable airwaves for its new network.'
Academic
Used in media studies and communications: 'The study analysed political rhetoric on the public airwaves during the campaign.'
Everyday
Used when discussing TV/radio: 'That new song is all over the airwaves at the moment.'
Technical
Used in telecommunications and regulation: 'The auction for 5G airwaves concluded yesterday.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “airwaves”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “airwaves”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “airwaves”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'an airwave').
- Confusing with 'wavelength' (a specific frequency).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'airwaves' is a plural-only noun. The singular 'airwave' is almost never used in standard English.
Traditionally, no. It specifically refers to broadcast radio/TV frequencies. However, it is sometimes used metaphorically for any widespread digital broadcast medium.
'On the air' means actively broadcasting. 'On the airwaves' refers to being present within the broadcast medium itself, often with a sense of public reach or saturation.
It is neutral to formal. Common in journalism, media business, and technical contexts, but understandable in everyday conversation about media.
The radio frequencies used for broadcasting radio and television programmes.
Airwaves: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeəweɪvz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈerweɪvz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Clog the airwaves (to dominate broadcast time excessively)”
- “Hit the airwaves (to begin broadcasting)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a radio tower sending WAVES through the AIR. Combine them: AIR + WAVES = the medium that carries broadcast signals.
Conceptual Metaphor
AIRWAVES ARE A PUBLIC SPACE/CONDUIT (e.g., dominate the space, fill the conduit, a voice in the conduit).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'airwaves'?