short wave: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “short wave” mean?
A radio wave with a wavelength between approximately 10 and 100 meters (corresponding to a frequency of about 3 to 30 MHz), used for long-distance broadcasting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A radio wave with a wavelength between approximately 10 and 100 meters (corresponding to a frequency of about 3 to 30 MHz), used for long-distance broadcasting.
The range of radio frequencies used for international broadcasting, amateur radio, and other long-range communications; also used metaphorically to refer to a means of communication or a channel for ideas that bypasses conventional or mainstream routes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The hyphenated form 'short-wave' is slightly more common in British English, while 'short wave' (open form) is standard in American English, especially as a noun. The adjectival form 'shortwave' (solid) is common in AmE technical contexts.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties: often evokes images of hobbyists, international broadcasters (like BBC World Service, Radio Moscow), wartime propaganda, and communication with remote areas.
Frequency
Higher frequency in historical/technical texts and specific communities (e.g., amateur radio). Less frequent in everyday modern conversation, where 'digital', 'satellite', or 'online' are more common descriptors for communication.
Grammar
How to Use “short wave” in a Sentence
listen to [something] on short wavebroadcast on short wavetune to a short wave frequencya short wave [noun] (e.g., radio, broadcast)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “short wave” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He short-waves his messages to contacts overseas. (very rare)
American English
- They shortwave their broadcasts to reach the region. (rare, technical)
adverb
British English
- The programme was broadcast short-wave. (rare)
American English
- The signal was sent shortwave. (rare)
adjective
British English
- He's an avid short-wave listener.
- We bought a short-wave radio kit.
American English
- She found an old shortwave receiver in the attic.
- The station has a shortwave transmitter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in companies manufacturing related equipment or in global logistics for remote area communication.
Academic
Used in physics, telecommunications history, media studies, and Cold War history contexts.
Everyday
Used when discussing old radios, hobbies (amateur radio), or historical events. 'Do you still have that short wave radio?'
Technical
Standard term in telecommunications, radio engineering, and amateur radio. Precise frequency ranges and propagation characteristics are discussed.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “short wave”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “short wave”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “short wave”
- Using 'short wave' to refer to Wi-Fi or mobile phone signals (these are microwaves).
- Incorrectly hyphenating in all contexts (e.g., 'I listened to a short-wave' as a noun phrase is less common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but its role has diminished. It is still used by international broadcasters (e.g., BBC, Voice of America in some regions), amateur radio operators, aviation, maritime communications, and in remote areas where internet access is limited.
Short wave uses High Frequency (HF) bands (3-30 MHz) and can travel thousands of miles by bouncing off the ionosphere. FM radio uses Very High Frequency (VHF) bands (88-108 MHz) and is generally limited to line-of-sight range (50-100 miles).
Typically, no. Standard car radios are designed for AM (Medium Wave) and FM (VHF) bands. You need a dedicated short wave (or multi-band) receiver capable of tuning into the HF spectrum.
The ionosphere's density and reflective properties change with solar radiation. Higher frequencies work better during the day, while lower short wave frequencies often travel further at night, leading to varying reception quality.
A radio wave with a wavelength between approximately 10 and 100 meters (corresponding to a frequency of about 3 to 30 MHz), used for long-distance broadcasting.
Short wave is usually technical, journalistic in register.
Short wave: in British English it is pronounced /ˌʃɔːt ˈweɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌʃɔːrt ˈweɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the short wave of life (rare, metaphorical: tuned into alternative ideas).”
- “Broadcasting on all wavebands (more common idiom for communicating widely).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SHORT wave, LONG distance. The waves are 'short' (in length) but can travel 'long' distances by bouncing off the ionosphere.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A WAVELENGTH; ALTERNATIVE INFORMATION IS A FREQUENCY (e.g., 'tune into the short wave of dissent').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic that enables short wave radio signals to travel long distances?