WordGarden.iotelevision
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈɛlɪvˌɪʒən/
US
- /ˈtɛləˌvɪʒən/
Meanings
Noun
the medium of televised broadcasting and the shows made for it
a screen device or set used to receive and display television programs
Beyond the definition
Television, often shortened to "TV" or sometimes called "the tube," is the device and system we use to watch moving pictures with sound. It brings stories, news, sports, films, and shows into our homes, and for many people it is part of everyday life. What began as a major invention became a common part of modern culture, helping people relax, learn, and stay connected to events happening around the world.
Think of it as a window into other worlds. You might watch television for entertainment, turn it on for the news, or stream a series on a smart TV connected to the internet. It has changed from big boxy sets to thin flat screens, but its main purpose is still the same: bringing pictures, sound, stories, and information into our homes.
Television is a device and a communication medium used for showing moving images with sound. The word itself comes from combining the Greek prefix "tele" (meaning distant) and the Latin "vision" (the act of seeing), which fits its original purpose of bringing sights and sounds from far away into our homes. Today, though, it does not refer to just one thing.
Originally, the term often referred to broadcast programs received through an antenna and to the set used to watch them. Later, cable and satellite changed how people received channels, and now streaming services have changed it again. We still talk about "watching television" whether we are following a live channel, watching recorded programs, or streaming a series through an app on a smart TV.
The impact of television on society has been huge. It has helped shape public opinion, influenced fashion and popular culture, and played an important role in politics, education, and entertainment. It can bring people major world events as they happen, introduce new ideas and stories, and give families or friends something to share together.
In everyday conversation, you might say someone is "glued to the television" during a big game, ask whether anything good is on television tonight, or say that an important issue was discussed on television. The word can refer to the physical screen, the programs shown on it, or the wider world of broadcast and streamed video. From its early days as a technical wonder to its present form as a screen for both live channels and internet apps, television continues to evolve and shape the way we see the world.
Examples
- 1
Viewing habits
We don't watch much television during the week.
- Grammarwatch television
watch TV in general; usually no "a" or "the"
- 2
Broadcast schedule
Is there anything good on television tonight?
- Patternon television
being broadcast on TV
- 3
Household item
They bought a small television for the guest room.
- 4
National broadcast
She first heard his name on national television.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
TV industry
He has worked in television for more than twenty years.
- Patternwork in television
work in the TV industry
- 6
Cable service
My parents still pay for cable television, but I mostly stream everything.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- televisionnoun
Forms
- televisionspluralnoun