medium wave: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2technical, formal, semi-formal
Quick answer
What does “medium wave” mean?
A band of radio frequencies from 530 to 1700 kHz, used for AM broadcasting, especially for long-range transmission.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A band of radio frequencies from 530 to 1700 kHz, used for AM broadcasting, especially for long-range transmission.
Often used metonymically to refer to AM radio broadcasting itself or to specific radio stations/content on this band.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in British English; American English often uses "AM band" or "AM radio."
Connotations
UK: Associated with BBC national and local radio, talk, sports. US: Less common term, stronger association with "AM" branding for news/talk/sports.
Frequency
High frequency in UK technical/broadcast contexts; lower frequency in general US English.
Grammar
How to Use “medium wave” in a Sentence
The station broadcasts ON medium wave.You can find us ON 909 medium wave.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “medium wave” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- BBC Radio 4 is on 198 kHz medium wave.
- The medium wave signal was affected by electrical storms.
American English
- Some talk radio stations still use the medium wave band.
- The old radio could pick up medium wave broadcasts clearly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to broadcast transmission capabilities or station licensing.
Academic
Used in physics, telecommunications, and media studies contexts.
Everyday
Mostly used by older generations or in specific regions; "AM radio" is more common.
Technical
Precise term in broadcasting engineering and radio spectrum management.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “medium wave”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “medium wave”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “medium wave”
- Using "medium wave" to refer to FM radio.
- Saying "on the medium wave" without specifying a frequency (e.g., 'on 648 medium wave').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes. 'Medium wave' refers to the specific frequency band, while 'AM' (Amplitude Modulation) refers to the method of encoding the signal on that band. They are used interchangeably in many contexts.
At night, a layer of the atmosphere called the ionosphere changes, allowing medium wave signals to reflect back to Earth over much greater distances than during the day.
No, most standard radios have an 'AM' or 'MW' setting which allows you to receive medium wave broadcasts.
In many countries, there is a shift towards digital radio (like DAB) and FM, leading to a reduction in medium wave services. However, it remains important for long-range and regional broadcasting in many areas.
A band of radio frequencies from 530 to 1700 kHz, used for AM broadcasting, especially for long-range transmission.
Medium wave is usually technical, formal, semi-formal in register.
Medium wave: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmiːdiəm weɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmidiəm weɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a wave of MEDIUM size between the LONG wave and SHORT wave radio bands.
Conceptual Metaphor
RADIO FREQUENCIES ARE WAVES (of different lengths in a spectrum).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key characteristic of medium wave radio?