# transmitter

/tɹænsˈmɪtɝ/ (US) · /tɹænsmˈɪtɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. electronic device

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a piece of equipment that sends out radio, television, or phone signals through the air.

For teachers: an electronic device that generates and modulates a carrier wave to broadcast signals via an antenna.

- The radio station had to repair the transmitter after the storm knocked it down.
- Engineers discovered that the transmitter was failing to modulate the signal correctly, resulting in significant audio distortion for listeners in the valley.

Usage: Often used in technical contexts regarding telecommunications or broadcasting.

### 2. person or agent

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

a person or thing that passes something, like a message or a disease, to others.

For teachers: an agent, person, or organism that conveys or passes something from one place or person to another.

- Insects can be transmitters of dangerous diseases to humans.
- The study identified specific migratory birds as the primary transmitters of the virus across the continental borders.

Usage: Common in medical or academic writing when discussing the spread of information or illness.

## Examples

- The radio station needs a new transmitter to reach the whole city.
- Engineers climbed the mountain to repair the damaged transmitter after the winter storm knocked out the local signal.
- While the physical transmitter facilitates the broadcast of the signal, the strength of the reception depends heavily on the geographical terrain and atmospheric conditions between the tower and the receiver.

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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.