cb radio: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist)Informal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “cb radio” mean?
A two-way radio communication system operating on a set of 40 channels in the 27 MHz band, intended for short-range personal and business use by the general public without a license.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A two-way radio communication system operating on a set of 40 channels in the 27 MHz band, intended for short-range personal and business use by the general public without a license.
A specific communication device, culture, or jargon associated with users of this radio system; a means of communication for truckers, hobbyists, and local community interactions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical and recognized in both varieties. The associated culture and peak popularity in the US (1970s trucker culture) may be more prominent in American cultural references.
Connotations
In both, it can connote a past technological era, hobbyist communities, or emergency preparedness. In the US, strong connotations with long-haul truckers.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to historical cultural prominence. In the UK, often associated with 1970s/80s hobbyists and less with contemporary professional use.
Grammar
How to Use “cb radio” in a Sentence
[Subject] uses a CB radio (for/to [purpose])[Subject] talks/listens on the CB radio[Subject] installed a CB radio in [location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cb radio” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He CBed his position to the other convoy members.
- We used to CB all the time when we were kids.
American English
- The trucker CBed a warning about an accident up ahead.
- I'll CB you when I get closer.
adjective
British English
- He's a well-known CB radio enthusiast.
- The CB radio community is very supportive.
American English
- She uses CB radio lingo in everyday conversation.
- The truck had a massive CB radio antenna.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'Long-haul logistics companies sometimes equip their fleets with CB radios for convoy communication.'
Academic
'The study examined the sociolect and community formation among 1970s American CB radio users.'
Everyday
'My uncle still uses his old CB radio to chat with local farmers.'
Technical
'The CB radio's transceiver operates on AM mode with a maximum legal power output of 4 watts.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cb radio”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cb radio”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cb radio”
- Pronouncing it as 'see bee radio' (correct) rather than trying to say it as one word.
- Using 'CB' as a verb without 'radio' ('I'll CB you' is non-standard; 'I'll contact you on the CB (radio)' is acceptable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most countries, including the UK and US, no individual license is required to operate a CB radio, as it operates on a license-free band, but the equipment must be type-approved.
Under normal conditions, the range is typically 1-5 miles for mobile units and up to 20 miles for base stations, though atmospheric conditions can increase this significantly ('skip').
Yes, though less commonly than in its 1970s/80s peak. It is still used by truckers, off-road enthusiasts, preppers, and in rural areas where mobile coverage is poor.
These are numeric codes (like 10-4 for 'acknowledged') developed for brevity and clarity on CB radio and other two-way communications, though their use has declined.
A two-way radio communication system operating on a set of 40 channels in the 27 MHz band, intended for short-range personal and business use by the general public without a license.
Cb radio is usually informal / technical in register.
Cb radio: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsiː ˈbiː ˈreɪdiəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsiː ˈbiː ˈreɪdioʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Breaker breaker (call for attention on CB radio)”
- “10-4 (acknowledgment, 'message received')”
- “What's your 20? (asking for location)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember 'CB' as 'Citizens Band' — a BAND of radio frequencies for ordinary CITIZENS, not professionals.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A HIGHWAY (reflected in CB slang: 'Smokey on your six', 'back door', 'bear in the air').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'CB' in 'CB radio'?