Wi-Fi

American  

[wahy-fahy] / ˈwaɪˌfaɪ /

Computers, Trademark.

1. a brand name certifying that a device or other product is compatible with a set of broadband wireless networking standards.

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Wi-Fi British  

/ ˈwaɪˌfaɪ /

noun

1. computing a system of accessing the internet from remote machines such as laptop computers that have wireless connections

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Etymology

Origin of Wi-Fi

First recorded in 1995–2000; wi(reless)-fi(delity), patterned after hi-fi

Example Sentences

Researchers emphasize that optical wireless technology is not meant to replace Wi-Fi or cellular networks.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

Today, most wireless communication depends on radio-based technologies like Wi-Fi and cellular networks.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

The Wi-Fi woes overshadowed an otherwise luxe trip.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

But I certainly expected reliable Wi-Fi, business-class seat or no, especially when there’s a charge for it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The free neighborhood Wi-Fi is super slow, but I’m still able to copy and paste Quinton’s missing person’s poster onto a dozen websites.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston