How to pronounce shortwave
Say it like SHOR-twayv. Shortwave has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce shortwave. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SHOR
- twayv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Shortwave pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SHORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- twayvGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of shortwave
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SHAW-twayv.
What does shortwave mean?
- An electromagnetic wave with a relatively short wavelength; specifically, one with a wavelength generally between 10 and 100 metres, corresponding to a frequency between 3 and 30 megahertz.“Shortwaves are longer than microwaves.”
- Downward radiation in the shortwave (noun sense 1) frequency range which enters the Earth's atmosphere.
- A waveband comprising radio waves in the shortwave (noun sense 1) frequency range, especially when used in broadcasting.“Many stations broadcast on shortwaves.”
- Of a radio wave: having a wavelength of between 10 and 100 metres, corresponding to a frequency between 3 and 30 megahertz.
- Of radio equipment: capable of receiving or transmitting radio signals at wavelengths in the above range.
- Using radio waves having wavelengths of between 10 and 100 metres, corresponding to frequencies between 3 and 30 megahertz.
Where does shortwave come from?
The adjective is from an attributive use of the noun.
Questions about saying shortwave
How do you pronounce shortwave?
Say SHOR-twayv. The American pronunciation is /ˈʃoʊrˌtweɪv/. In British English it is /ˈʃɔːtweɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in shortwave?
Shortwave has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHOR). Broken into parts: SHOR · twayv.
Is shortwave pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈʃɔːtweɪv/ (SHAW-twayv).