Definitions
01without wires
A2 · Elementary Computing
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.
“The office has a wireless network so everyone can work on their laptops anywhere.”
“The transition to wireless infrastructure allowed the hospital to implement real-time patient monitoring without the clutter of traditional cabling.”
Antonyms
02internet connection
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Computing Informal
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.
“Is there wireless in this café, or do I need a password?”
“The hotel provides free wireless throughout the building, though the signal strength varies significantly between floors.”
Synonyms
03a radio
C1 · Advanced Countable noun British English · Archaic
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.
“My grandmother used to sit by the wireless every evening to hear the news.”
“In the 1940s, families would gather around the wireless to listen to wartime broadcasts and variety shows.”
Usage
Usually used with the definite article 'the'.
Teaching tip
Modern speakers almost exclusively use 'radio'; 'the wireless' is typically heard in period dramas or when speaking with the elderly.
Etymology
From wire + -less.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/wireless
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0