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hi-fi

American  
[hahy-fahy] / ˈhaɪˈfaɪ /

noun

  1. high fidelity.

  2. a phonograph, radio, or other sound-reproducing apparatus possessing high fidelity.

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or characteristic of such apparatus; high-fidelity.

hi-fi British  
/ ˈhaɪˈfaɪ /

noun

    1. short for high fidelity

    2. ( as modifier )

      hi-fi equipment

  2. a set of high-quality sound-reproducing equipment

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of hi-fi

1945–50, shortened form of high fidelity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It went through some renovations and at times advertised that patrons would have access to private telephones, full tiled baths and “free hi-fi music.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2025

In his statement, the star criticised the platform for not offering hi-fi quality, lossless audio to its users.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2024

The company made critically acclaimed, sophisticated hi-fi systems whose buyers included Frank Sinatra and Hugh Hefner.

From New York Times • Jun. 30, 2023

When it's almost party time, throw a fireplace scene on your TV and some tunes on the hi-fi.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2023

Hugo said, “Nothing wrong with Japanese hi-fi technology, either.”

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.