# antenna

/ænˈtɛnə/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/antenna
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. electronics

noun · CEFR B2

a metal rod or wire used to send or receive radio and television signals.

For teachers: a transducer designed to transmit or receive electromagnetic waves. Often used with 'aerial' as a synonym in British English.

- The car's antenna was broken, so we couldn't listen to the radio during the trip.
- Engineers adjusted the orientation of the satellite antenna to ensure a stable uplink during the heavy storm.

### 2. insect feeler

noun · CEFR B2

one of the two long parts on the head of an insect or crustacean used for feeling or smelling.

For teachers: a pair of mobile appendages on the heads of insects, crustaceans, and other arthropods, primarily used for sensory perception.

- The butterfly moved its antenna as it landed on the bright flower.
- The biologist observed how the beetle used its antennae to navigate the dark crevices of the forest floor.

### 3. intuition

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

your ability to notice or sense what is happening around you.

For teachers: the faculty of intuitive astuteness or the ability to detect subtle social or political changes.

- Her political antenna told her that the meeting was not going well.
- A successful diplomat must have a sensitive antenna for the subtle shifts in international relations.

### 4. sailing spar

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a long wooden pole used to hold a specific type of sail on a boat.

For teachers: the spar to which a lateen sail is attached before being hoisted up the mast.

- The sailors raised the antenna to catch the light breeze in the harbour.
- The traditional Mediterranean vessel featured a long antenna angled sharply against the mast to support its triangular sail.

## Examples

- The radio signal is weak because the antenna is broken.
- The technician climbed onto the roof to adjust the antenna for better satellite reception.
- Modern telecommunications rely on sophisticated antenna arrays to manage the vast amount of data transmitted wirelessly across urban environments every second.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.