1
: a range within a band of wavelengths, frequencies, or energies
especially : a range of radio frequencies which is occupied by a modulated carrier wave, which is assigned to a service, or over which a device can operate
2
: the capacity for data transfer of an electronic communications system
Graphics consume more bandwidth than text does.
especially : the maximum data transfer rate of such a system
a bandwidth of 100 megabits per second
3
: the emotional or mental capacity necessary to do or consider something
I don't have the bandwidth to do it all myself, and I feel like a failure because I'm not living up to my own ideals.—Frances Lefkowitz

Examples of bandwidth in a Sentence

The modem has a bandwidth of 56 kilobits per second. Graphics use more bandwidth than text does.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These changes would reduce costs, free up management bandwidth and improve IPO formation incentives. — Jeff Jacobs, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 This allows the device to isolate a narrow 2-megahertz bandwidth from an optical signal operating at approximately 200 terahertz. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026 The service gives you access to 900+ servers across 100+ countries, with unlimited bandwidth and server switching. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026 Much of its growth came from SK hynix, the world’s second-largest memory chipmaker and a leading supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used in artificial intelligence systems. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bandwidth

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bandwidth was in 1913

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bandwidth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bandwidth. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: a range of frequencies
2
: the capacity for or rate of data transfer
a high bandwidth Internet connection

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