WordGarden.ioradio
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈeɪdɪˌəʊ/
US
- /ˈreɪdiˌoʊ/
Meanings
Noun
a device used to receive or play audio broadcasts
the medium of audio broadcasting, including its stations and programs
wireless communication by transmitted radio waves, or the equipment used for it
Verb
to send or report by radio
Beyond the definition
The word "radio" brings to mind crackling voices, favorite songs, and news from around the world, but it is more than just entertainment. At first, "radio" referred to the technology itself: the wireless sending and receiving of signals. Think back to the early 20th century, when families gathered around large wooden cabinets to listen to broadcasts. Today, we still use "radio" to describe those broadcasts, like a radio show or a radio station, but also to mean communication through radio waves. A police officer might say "Ten-four" over the radio to show they understand a message. The word comes from the Latin radius, suggesting the way signals spread outward. So next time you tune in, remember that you are listening to sound carried through the air.
"Radio" has evolved quite a bit since its invention, but it still refers to the technology and medium of sending information without wires by using electromagnetic waves. At first, "radio" often described the equipment itself: the receivers and transmitters. Guglielmo Marconi, who is often linked with the early development of radio, worked on "radio telegraphy," which sent Morse code through these waves. As broadcasting developed, "radio" also came to mean the content delivered through this technology: radio programs, radio stations, and even the act of listening itself ("Do you listen to the radio?").
It is a versatile word. You can talk about AM/FM radio, satellite radio, or two-way radios used by emergency services. Beyond entertainment and news, radio is important in many fields. Air traffic control depends on steady radio communication, amateur "ham" radio operators connect across continents, and radio waves are also used in areas of medicine. The term even extends metaphorically: a complete break in communication is often called "radio silence." So whether it means a classic broadcast, an important tool for emergency contact, or simply a way to enjoy music on your commute, "radio" names a powerful and still-changing form of technology and communication.
Examples
- 1
Household object
She keeps a small radio in the kitchen.
- 2
Background listening
He always has the radio on while he makes breakfast.
- Phrasehave the radio on
have it playing
- 3
Listening habit
My grandfather still listens to the radio every night.
- 4
Music broadcast
I heard that song on the radio this morning.
- Phraseon the radio
broadcast as part of a radio program
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Workplace
She works for a local radio station.
- 6
Emergency communication
The rescue team stayed in contact by radio.
- Phraseby radio
using radio communication
- 7
No response
We didn't get any reply, just radio silence.
- Phraseradio silence
no answers or messages
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- broadcasting
- airwaves
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- listen to the radio
- radio station
- radio waves
- on the radio
Word family
Explore
- broadcast signal
- frequency
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- radionounverbadjective
Forms
- radiospluralnounverbadjective
- radioedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- radioing-ing formverbnounadjective