bandwidth

band +‎ width

• IPA^(key): /ˈbændwɪdθ/, /ˈbændwɪtθ/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

bandwidth (countable and uncountable, plural bandwidths)

1. The width, usually measured in hertz, of a frequency band.
   • 2010 October 30, Jim Giles, “Jammed!”, in New Scientist:

     But now is a good time to be bargaining for bandwidth, as the switch from analogue to digital television is freeing up space.

2. (of a signal) The width of the smallest frequency band within which the signal can fit.
3. (networking, informal) The rate of data flow in digital networks typically measured in bits per second; the bitrate.
   • 2008, BioWare, Mass Effect (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →ISBN, →OCLC, PC, scene: Communications: Administration Codex entry:

     While comm buoys allow rapid transmission, there is a finite amount of bandwidth available. Given that trillions of people may be trying to pass a message through a given buoy at any one time, access to the network is parceled out on priority tiers.

4. (informal) The capacity, energy or time required.[1]

   I think it's a worthy project, but I just don't have the bandwidth right now.

   • 2024 January 24, Dyan Perry talks to Nick Brodrick, “The industry has given me so much”, in RAIL, number 1001, page 44:

     Yet... rather than exploiting opportunities to their fullest, Perry uses with conviction the word "frustrated" to describe a typical approach to government with ideas: "You'll get the response 'we don't have the bandwidth to deal with that'."

• bandshape
• broadband