What does wirelessly mean?
Wirelessly is an adverb meaning “without wires,” usually in reference to communication or connection that takes place by radio, infrared, or another non-cabled method. A device might connect wirelessly to a network, a file might be transferred wirelessly, or a phone might be charged wirelessly. In these uses, the word emphasizes the absence of a physical cable rather than mobility by itself: a wireless system can be stationary, and a remote device may still communicate through a wired network. Wirelessly is neutral in tone and common in technical, commercial, and everyday descriptions, although “without wires” often sounds more natural in conversational prose. The adverb is formed from the adjective wireless, which in turn combines wire with the suffix -less. It is especially useful when a sentence needs to describe the manner of an action clearly: “The sensor reports readings wirelessly” specifies how the data travel, while simply calling the sensor “wireless” would focus on its type rather than the process. The word therefore occupies a productive middle ground between the more general “remotely” and the more explicit phrase “without a wired connection.”
adverbWithout using wires or cables; by means of a wireless connection or transmission.
- By means of wireless communication or without the use of wires or cables.
"The sensor transmits its readings wirelessly to a nearby tablet."
"The handheld scanner sends readings wirelessly to a nearby tablet."
"Passengers can listen to the announcement wirelessly through the in-flight entertainment system."
Wireless describes the kind of system; wirelessly tells us how something happens: without a physical connection.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wirelessly
English wireless was formed from wire and the suffix -less, meaning literally “without wire,” and became established in the era of radio telegraphy in the late nineteenth century. The adverb wirelessly is a later formation, adding the productive suffix -ly to wireless. Its older components go back to Old English wīr, meaning “wire,” and the Germanic source of -less, while related forms such as wiring and wiry share the same English base.
How wirelessly is actually used
Neutral and widespread in British and American English. It is more specific than “remotely” because it describes the method of connection or transmission rather than distance alone.
Easily confused with wirelessly
Wireless is principally an adjective or a noun referring to a wireless system or network, while wirelessly is an adverb describing how an action is performed.