medium for communication
"We used the radio to coordinate our emergency response during the storm."
an electronic receiver that detects and demodulates and amplifies transmitted signals
"The old radio picked up a faint static signal from the distant tower, proving it could still detect and amplify those weak transmissions."
The technology that allows for the transmission of sound or other signals by modulation of electromagnetic waves.
"The radio broadcast picked up static before fading into a clear jazz tune as the signal stabilized over the hills."
In plain English: A radio is an electronic device that lets you listen to music, news, and other sounds sent through the air by tuning into specific frequencies.
"She turned on the radio to hear the morning news while she cooked breakfast."
Usage: Use "radio" to refer specifically to wireless broadcasting via electromagnetic waves, distinguishing it from wired communication methods like telephones. It commonly collocates with verbs such as tune in, broadcast, and listen when discussing the medium or device itself.
To use two-way radio to transmit (a message) (to another radio or other radio operator).
"The pilot radioed air traffic control to report his landing gear malfunction immediately after takeoff."
In plain English: To radio someone means to quickly contact them using a walkie-talkie or similar device.
"She likes to radio her friend while she is driving to the store."
The word radio is a shortened form of radiotelegraphy. It entered English to describe the technology used for wireless communication.