ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wireless

adj. · n.
US //ˈwaɪɹɫɪs// UK //wˈaɪələs// wire·less
  1. 1 without wires (adj.)
    A2 Elementary Computing

    describing technology that sends information through the air instead of using cables.

    relating to any system of communication or power transmission that does not use physical wires or cables.

    Example

    The office has a wireless network so everyone can work on their laptops anywhere.

    Example

    The transition to wireless infrastructure allowed the hospital to implement real-time patient monitoring without the clutter of traditional cabling.
  2. 2 internet connection (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal Computing

    a connection to the internet that does not use a cable.

    a wireless local area network or internet connection, often used as a synonym for Wi-Fi in casual contexts.

    Example

    Is there wireless in this café, or do I need a password?

    Example

    The hotel provides free wireless throughout the building, though the signal strength varies significantly between floors.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 a radio (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English Archaic

    an old-fashioned word for a radio set.

    a radio receiving apparatus. This sense is primarily restricted to older generations of British speakers.

    Example

    My grandmother used to sit by the wireless every evening to hear the news.

    Example

    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'.

    Teacher's tip

    Modern speakers almost exclusively use 'radio'; 'the wireless' is typically heard in period dramas or when speaking with the elderly.
Origin

From wire + -less.

© 2026 English Reference