noun
- radio waves with frequencies between approximately 3 and 30 megahertz, used for long-distance communication
Usage: technical; telecommunications
Examples
- The radio operator tuned into the shortwaves to receive international broadcasts.
- Shortwaves can travel great distances by bouncing off the ionosphere.
- Amateur radio enthusiasts often communicate using shortwaves.
- The ship’s crew relied on shortwaves for emergency communications.
- During the storm, only shortwaves could reach the remote weather station.
- The BBC World Service broadcasts on various shortwave frequencies.