Word
airwaves
Phoneticsair·waves, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɛɹˌweɪvz/
UK/ˈeəweɪvz/
Broadcasting
Definition
n. the space in the sky where radio and television signals travel. You use this word when talking about how information or entertainment is shared through the radio or TV.
n. the space through which radio and television signals are transmitted. Often used metaphorically to refer to the medium of mass communication or the public domain of broadcasting.
Examples
“The station broadcasts music across the airwaves every morning.”
“The government decided to open the airwaves to more local news stations to provide diverse perspectives.”
“As the technology evolved, the airwaves became a contested space where private corporations and public broadcasters competed for the right to reach millions of listeners simultaneously.”
Examples
simple
“The station broadcasts music across the airwaves every morning.”
contextual
“The government decided to open the airwaves to more local news stations to provide diverse perspectives.”
complex
“As the technology evolved, the airwaves became a contested space where private corporations and public broadcasters competed for the right to reach millions of listeners simultaneously.”
Real-World Examples
“Choral evensong has been on our airwaves for 100 years today.” “Would that mean the video has to be removed from the airwaves?” “One subject dominated the airwaves – or at least what we got to hear of them – during the Canadian Grand Prix.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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