citizens band: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Informal
Quick answer
What does “citizens band” mean?
A system of short-distance two-way radio communication for public use, typically requiring a license but operating without centralized control.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system of short-distance two-way radio communication for public use, typically requiring a license but operating without centralized control.
Refers to the specific range of radio frequencies allocated for this public use (around 27 MHz), the community of people who use it, and the associated culture of communication and jargon.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in both varieties. However, the cultural phenomenon of 'CB radio' was perhaps more widespread and prominent in the US, especially among long-haul truckers. The term 'lorry driver' (UK) vs. 'trucker/truck driver' (US) will appear in associated contexts.
Connotations
UK: Often associated with hobbyists, rural communication, or past popularity. US: Strongly associated with trucker culture, long-distance travel, highway communication, and 1970s/80s nostalgia.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to the cultural and historical prominence of CB radio in the US, but the term itself is equally standard in both varieties when discussing radio communication.
Grammar
How to Use “citizens band” in a Sentence
use <citizens band>talk on <citizens band>listen to <citizens band>broadcast over <citizens band>Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “citizens band” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We used to citizens-band our location to the convoy leader. (rare, non-standard/creative use)
American English
- He's out there citizens-banding with the truckers. (rare, non-standard/creative use)
adverb
British English
- They communicated citizens-band across the valley. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- We were talking citizens-band for hours. (rare, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The citizens-band frequencies are crowded during emergencies.
American English
- He gave me a citizens-band report on the traffic jam ahead.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used in logistics/transportation contexts regarding driver communication.
Academic
Used in historical, cultural, or media studies papers on communication technology.
Everyday
Understood, but not commonly used in daily conversation unless discussing specific hobbies or past trends.
Technical
Precise term in telecommunications, radio engineering, and regulatory documents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “citizens band”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “citizens band”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “citizens band”
- Incorrect: 'citizen band' (missing the 's'). It is always plural: *citizens* band.
- Incorrect: using it as a verb. You 'use CB radio', you don't 'citizens band'.
- Confusing it with 'Amateur Radio' (ham radio), which is a different service with different rules.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but its popularity peaked in the 1970s-80s. It remains in use by truck drivers, radio hobbyists, rural communities, and emergency preppers as a reliable, license-free (in many countries) form of short-distance communication.
Licensing rules vary by country. In the US, no license is required for most CB use under FCC rules. In the UK, a license is required from Ofcom, though it is free and simple to obtain.
Citizens band (CB) is for short-range public communication with simple, type-approved equipment. Amateur radio (ham) requires passing an exam for a license, allows for much longer-range communication (including worldwide), uses many frequency bands, and often involves building/modifying equipment.
It refers to the system being for use by the general body of citizens or the public, not just one citizen. The band belongs to the citizens collectively.
A system of short-distance two-way radio communication for public use, typically requiring a license but operating without centralized control.
Citizens band is usually technical, informal in register.
Citizens band: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪt.ɪ.zənz bænd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪt̬.ə.zənz bænd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “10-4 (acknowledgement/understanding)”
- “What's your 20? (location)”
- “breaker breaker (request to talk)”
- “smokey (police)”
- “good buddy (fellow user)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'citizens' as the general public and 'band' as a specific range of radio frequencies. Citizens Band = the public's band.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNITY AS A BAND (of frequencies): Shared frequencies create a shared community of users.
Practice
Quiz
What is a common, correct abbreviation for 'citizens band'?