What does "radio" mean?
The technology that allows for the transmission of sound or other signals by modulation of electromagnetic waves.
Radio
/ˈɹeɪdiˌəʊ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The technology that allows for the transmission of sound or other signals by modulation of electromagnetic waves.
- Grammar: radio is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: radio receiver, radio set, wireless, advice.
- Useful contrasts: corded, ignore, listen.
- Usage evidence: Will you give me your radio for my bicycle?
How to use "radio"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "radio" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "radio" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "radio" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "radio" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "radio" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "radio receiver" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "radio", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The technology that allows for the transmission of sound or other signals by modulation of electromagnetic waves. uncountable
"send a message by radio"
- 2 a communication system based on broadcasting electromagnetic waves wordnet
- 3 A device that can capture (receive) the signal sent over radio waves and render the modulated signal as sound. countable
"We heard a lovely song on the radio."
- 4 an electronic receiver that detects and demodulates and amplifies transmitted signals wordnet
- 5 Any audio playing device, such as the on-board entertainment system in a car, usually including a radio receiver as well as the capability to play audio from recorded media; see also car radio. countable
"David Bowie's classic hit Space Oddity will be looping on the radio as the car is hurled into an elliptical orbit that stretches out to Mars' orbit around the Sun."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 medium for communication wordnet
- 7 A device that can transmit radio signals. countable
- 8 The continuous broadcasting of sound via the Internet in the style of traditional radio. Internet, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To use two-way radio to transmit (a message) (to another radio or other radio operator). ambitransitive
"I think the boat is sinking; we'd better radio for help. / I radioed him already. / Radio the coordinates this time. / OK. I radioed them the coordinates."
- 2 transmit messages via radio waves wordnet
- 3 To order or assist (to a location), using telecommunications. transitive
"“Could you call them here? I'd like to talk to them. Or if they're out in the field, radio them in.”"
Adjective
- 1 indicating radiation or radioactivity wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Will you give me your radio for my bicycle?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "radio"?
Common synonyms include: radio receiver, radio set, wireless, advice, adviser, air.
How do you use "radio" in a sentence?
Will you give me your radio for my bicycle?
How do you pronounce "radio"?
Pronounced /ˈɹeɪdiˌəʊ/.
Etymology
Short for radiotelegraphy.