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radio

Pronunciation: /ˈreɪdɪəʊ/

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Definition of radio

noun (plural radios)

  • 1 [mass noun] the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves of radio frequency, especially those carrying sound messages:cellular phones are linked by radio rather than wires
  • 2 [mass noun] the activity or industry of broadcasting sound programmes to the public:she has written much material for radio [as modifier]:a radio station
  • radio programmes:we used to listen to a lot of radio
  • [in names] a broadcasting station or channel:Radio One
  • 3an apparatus for receiving radio programmes:he switched the radio on
  • an apparatus capable of both receiving and transmitting radio messages between individuals, ships, planes, etc.:a ship-to-shore radio

verb (radioes, radioing, radioed)

[no object]
  • communicate or send a message by radio:we radioed for help
  • [with object] communicate with (a person or place) by radio:we’ll radio Athens right away

Origin:

early 20th century: abbreviation of radio-telephony

Spelling rule

Make the plural of radio in the usual way, by adding -s: (radios).

Spelling help

The verb forms are: (radioes, radioing, radioed).

radio in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of radio in the US English dictionary