wireless
- 01 A2 Elementary
adj.describing technology that sends information through the air instead of using cables.
adj.relating to any system of communication or power transmission that does not use physical wires or cables.
Simple“The office has a wireless network so everyone can work on their laptops anywhere.”
In context“The transition to wireless infrastructure allowed the hospital to implement real-time patient monitoring without the clutter of traditional cabling.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a connection to the internet that does not use a cable.
n.a wireless local area network or internet connection, often used as a synonym for Wi-Fi in casual contexts.
Simple“Is there wireless in this café, or do I need a password?”
In context“The hotel provides free wireless throughout the building, though the signal strength varies significantly between floors.”
Synonymswi ficonnection - 03 C1 Advanced
n.an old-fashioned word for a radio set.
n.a radio receiving apparatus. This sense is primarily restricted to older generations of British speakers.
Simple“My grandmother used to sit by the wireless every evening to hear the news.”
In context“In the 1940s, families would gather around the wireless to listen to wartime broadcasts and variety shows.”
UsageUsually used with the definite article 'the'.
Teacher's tipModern speakers almost exclusively use 'radio'; 'the wireless' is typically heard in period dramas or when speaking with the elderly.
From wire + -less.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.