Broadcast: meaning, definitions and examples

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broadcast

 

[ ˈbrɔːdkɑːst ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

media

To transmit (a program or some information) by radio or television for public listening or viewing.

Synonyms

air, stream, transmit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
broadcast

Used when referring to distributing audio or video content to a wide audience via traditional media like television or radio.

  • The news will be broadcast at 6 PM.
  • They plan to broadcast the football match live.
transmit

Often used in a technical or scientific context to describe the act of sending data or signals, usually electronically. Can also be used to describe sending diseases.

  • The data will be transmitted via satellite.
  • Viruses can be transmitted through contact.
air

Typically used to describe the act of showing a program on television or radio. Has a traditional media connotation. Can also imply making something public.

  • The new episode will air tonight.
  • They decided to air their complaints in public.
stream

Used when talking about distributing audio or video content over the internet in real-time.

  • I like to stream music while working.
  • They will stream the concert live on their website.

Examples of usage

  • The news will be broadcasted live tonight.
  • The radio station broadcasts music 24/7.
Context #2 | Noun

media

A program that is transmitted by radio or television.

Synonyms

show, telecast, transmission.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
broadcast

General term for transmitting a signal, typically used for radio or television. Suitable for both live and recorded content.

  • The football game will be broadcast worldwide.
  • They broadcast the president’s speech on all major channels.
transmission

Often used in technical contexts to describe the process of sending signals or data, can refer to both audio and video transmission.

  • The satellite transmission was clear during the interview.
  • Digital transmission has improved the quality of broadcasts significantly.
telecast

Specifically refers to television broadcasts, often used in a more formal or technical context.

  • The awards ceremony was telecast live on national television.
  • The telecast was interrupted due to technical issues.
show

Refers to a program, particularly those that are entertaining, like TV shows, dramas, comedies, or reality shows.

  • I love watching that new comedy show on Fridays.
  • Her favorite show is on at 8 PM every night.

Examples of usage

  • I missed the broadcast of the award ceremony.
  • The sports broadcast starts at 7 PM.

Translations

Translations of the word "broadcast" in other languages:

🇵🇹 transmissão

🇮🇳 प्रसारण

🇩🇪 Übertragung

🇮🇩 siaran

🇺🇦 трансляція

🇵🇱 transmisja

🇯🇵 放送 (ほうそう)

🇫🇷 diffusion

🇪🇸 transmisión

🇹🇷 yayın

🇰🇷 방송 (방송)

🇸🇦 بث

🇨🇿 vysílání

🇸🇰 vysielanie

🇨🇳 广播 (guǎngbō)

🇸🇮 oddajanje

🇮🇸 útvarp

🇰🇿 хабар тарату

🇬🇪 გადაცემა

🇦🇿 yayım

🇲🇽 transmisión

Etymology

The word 'broadcast' originated from the agricultural practice of scattering seeds widely in a field. In the early 20th century, it was adopted to describe the wide dissemination of radio and later television programs. The concept of broadcasting has evolved with technology, expanding to include internet streaming and digital platforms.

See also: broad, broadband, broadcaster, broaden, broadened, broadening, broadly.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,133 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.