airwaves

IPA/ˈeəweɪvz/
KK[ˈɛrwˌevz]IPA/ˈerweɪvz/

airwaves — noun

1. the invisible signals travelling through the air that bring TV shows and radio b

1.nounB2
Definition

the invisible signals travelling through the air that bring TV shows and radio broadcasts into homes; can also refer to the time or opportunity available for broadcasting.

Example

The president's speech filled the airwaves across the nation last night.

collocation: fill the airwaves

Local bands in Nashville are finding it harder to get their music on the airwaves.

pattern: get ... on the airwaves

Common collocations
  • fill the airwaves
  • dominate the airwaves
  • hit the airwaves
  • on the airwaves
  • across the airwaves
  • the public airwaves
  • get something onto the airwaves
Synonyms
  • broadcast spectrum

    more technical; refers specifically to the range of radio frequencies licensed for broadcasting

  • radio waves

    literal physical term for the electromagnetic waves; less idiomatic for referring to broadcasting time

  • the air

    informal alternative in phrases like 'on the air' or 'go on the air'

Grammar Patterns

the airwaves

on the airwaves

hit the airwaves

Usage Note

Always used in plural form. Frequently appears with the definite article: 'the airwaves'. Common in media and journalism contexts.

Common Mistakes

The airwave was busy tonight.
The airwaves were busy tonight.
'airwaves' is always plural and takes a plural verb.
She has a good voice for airwave.
She has a good voice for the airwaves.
the definite article is nearly always required.

Word family

  • airwave
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Airwaves' is the broadest everyday term for the medium of radio and TV broadcasting — it combines the physical radio-frequency signals with the idea of broadcasting time and access. 'Radio waves' is purely physical and scientific, referring to the electromagnetic radiation itself rather than the broadcasting context. 'Broadcast spectrum' is a technical regulatory term used by licensing authorities and engineers to describe the range of frequencies allocated for different broadcasters. 'The air' is an informal, shortened version found in phrases like 'go on the air' or 'on the air' — it is less concrete than 'airwaves' and refers specifically to the act of broadcasting rather than the medium. Example: 'The comedian finally got his show on the air,' versus 'The comedian's jokes filled the airwaves every Friday night.'

airwaves ↗broadcast spectrum ↗radio wavesthe air

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • fill the airwaves
  • dominate the airwaves
  • hit the airwaves
  • on the airwaves

Prepositions

Etymology

Old FrenchLatinGreekOld EnglishEnglish

The word is a compound of 'air' (from Old French 'air', from Latin 'aer', from Greek 'aēr' meaning the invisible gas around us) and 'wave' (from Old English 'wafian', meaning to move back and forth). The combined term 'airwaves' emerged in the early 20th century with the invention of radio, describing the radio-frequency electromagnetic waves that travel through the air to carry broadcasts.

First known use

1900

1900, in the meaning defined above