What does radio mean?
A radio is a system for sending or receiving sound signals using electromagnetic waves, and the word can also refer to the receiver itself, the broadcast medium, or a particular transmission. “Listen to the radio” means to hear programmes transmitted through this medium, while “contact them by radio” describes communicating by radio signal. In modern English, radio remains common in news, transport, emergency services, and discussions of broadcasting history, even though many of its functions have been supplemented by television, mobile phones, and internet services. The word can be used attributively, as in “radio broadcast,” or informally as a verb, as in “The pilot radioed the airport.” Its enduring associations include immediacy, reach, and communication across distances.
A system or device for transmitting and receiving sound signals by means of radio waves; also a receiver, a broadcast, or the broadcasting medium itself.
"The station broadcasts music and news throughout the day."
The sense “a broadcast or broadcasting medium” is common in expressions such as “on the radio” and “radio play.”
Relating to radio, especially to radio broadcasting or signals.
"The interview was carried on a national radio programme."
Usually attributive; it is less commonly used predicatively.
To transmit a message by radio.
"The pilot radioed the landing instructions to the control tower."
This use is especially common in aviation, maritime, military, and emergency-service contexts and can sound formal or technical.
Use “radios” for multiple receivers, devices, or messages; “radios” is the standard plural of the noun.
"Emergency radios were distributed to residents near the coast."
The word “radio” comes from the same Latin root as “radius”: both refer to waves spreading outward from a source.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does radio come from?
The word “radio” entered English in the early 20th century, originally referring to wireless telegraphy and then to broadcasting. It was formed from the Latin “radius,” meaning “ray” or “spoke,” combined with the suffix “-o,” and the underlying scientific idea of waves radiating outward from a source. The same Latin root is reflected in English words such as “radiant,” “radiation,” and “radiography.” The later sense of a sound broadcasting medium developed as radio technology expanded from coded signals to spoken entertainment and news.
Related word forms
How radio is actually used
In everyday use, “radio” often means the medium or a receiver, as in “on the radio.” The plural is “radios.” As a verb, it is especially associated with informal or professional communication, such as pilots, sailors, and emergency services.