wireless
gb/wˈaɪɚləs/ us/wˈaɪɚləs/
A2
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Not using physical wires
Working without any wires, usually by using radio signals.
Usage pattern:
[device] is wireless
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'wireless' with 'cordless', but 'wireless' is broader and often refers to data connections, not just power cords.
Synonyms
cordless (Often used for small household devices like phones or tools; less technical than 'wireless'.)
Antonyms
wired (Describes devices or systems that use cables for connections.)
Collocations
wireless network
|wireless connection
|wireless technology
|wireless device
|wireless internet
Themes
technology
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The office now has a fully wireless internet system.
- I prefer using wireless headphones when I travel.
- The printer can connect to your laptop via a wireless connection.
- Most modern routers offer both wired and wireless options.
- Wireless charging is becoming more popular for smartphones.
Learner examples
- My computer uses a wireless mouse.
- We have a wireless internet at home.
- I like my wireless headphones.
- The phone can charge on a wireless pad.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Signal system without wires
A way to send information without using wires, often by radio signals.
Usage pattern:
connect to [the] wireless
Common mistake:
Some learners think 'wireless' as a noun only means 'Wi-Fi', but it can mean any non-wired communication system.
Synonyms
Wi-Fi ('Wi-Fi' is a specific type of wireless networking technology.)
Antonyms
wired network (A network that uses cables for all connections.)
Collocations
connect to wireless
|wireless signal
|wireless access
Themes
technology
|communication
Examples
- I can’t get on the wireless in this café.
- The wireless here is very fast and reliable.
- Students have free access to the campus wireless.
- The hotel offers free wireless in every room.
Learner examples
- I can't find the wireless in this café.
- We have free wireless at school.
- The wireless is slow today.
Noun
archaic
C1
entity
3
Old term for radio
An old word for a radio, used in the past.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this meaning is old-fashioned and not used in modern everyday speech except historically or stylistically.
Synonyms
radio ('Radio' is the modern standard term; 'wireless' is dated in this sense.)
Collocations
listen to the wireless
Themes
technology
|history
|communication
Examples
- In the 1930s, families gathered around the wireless to hear the news.
- He bought a new wireless for the living room.
- They listened to music on the wireless every evening.
Learner examples
- People listened to the news on the wireless.
- He bought a wireless in 1920.
- The wireless was very popular then.
Grammar
Dictionary form
wireless
IPA
GB/wˈaɪɚləs/
US/wˈaɪɚləs/
Syllables & stress
wire - less (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (wire)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: wireless
Noun
- Base: wireless
- Plural: wireless, wirelesses
Word family
Forms
wirelesses
noun
Core family
wire
noun A2
wiring
noun
Related words
wired
adjective
wirelessly
adverb
Expressions
wireless connection
1/wˈaɪɚləs kənˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
Link without wires
A way two devices talk to each other without using cables.
Examples
- The wireless connection is weak in my bedroom.
- My laptop lost its wireless connection during the meeting.
wireless device
1/wˈaɪɚləs dɪvˈaɪs/
fixed phrase
technical
Device without wires
A machine or tool that works without wires.
Examples
- Wireless devices are common in modern offices.
- He bought a new wireless device for streaming music.
wireless internet
1/wˈaɪɚləs ˈɪntɚnˌɛt/
fixed phrase
Internet without cables
Internet you can use without plugging in a cable.
Examples
- The café offers free wireless internet to customers.
- Wireless internet is available throughout the airport.
wireless network
1/wˈaɪɚləs nˈɛtwˌɚk/
fixed phrase
technical
Network without cables
A group of computers and devices connected without wires.
Examples
- Our office has a secure wireless network for all employees.
- You need the password to join the wireless network.