amplitude modulation

noun

: modulation of the amplitude of a radio carrier wave in accordance with the strength of the audio or other signal
also : a broadcasting system using such modulation compare frequency modulation

Examples of amplitude modulation in a Sentence

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.
Meanwhile the amplitude modulation rate of music is consistent across genres, at about 1 to 2 Hz. — Andrew Chang, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2024 Four-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4) is an encoding scheme that allows four bits of information to be transmitted every clock cycle, allowing interconnect bandwidth to increase within the physical limits imposed on these interconnects. — Steven Woo, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amplitude modulation was in 1921

Rhymes for amplitude modulation

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Browse Nearby Words

amplitude-modulated
amplitude modulation
amplosome
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Cite this Entry

“Amplitude modulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amplitude%20modulation. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

amplitude modulation

noun
1
: changes in the amplitude of a radio carrier wave according to the strength of the signal
2
: a broadcasting system using amplitude modulation
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