gigabit

American  

[gig-uh-bit, jig-] / ˈgɪg əˌbɪt, ˈdʒɪg- /

noun

Computers.

1. a measure of storage capacity and data transfer equal to 1 billion (109 ) bits.

---

gigabit British  

/ ˈɡaɪɡəˌbɪt, ˈɡɪɡəˌbɪt /

noun

1. computing one million bits

---

gigabit Scientific  

/ gĭg′ə-bĭt′ /

1. One billion bits.

2. 1,073,741,824 (that is, 2 ³⁰) bits.

3. See Note at megabyte

---

Etymology

Origin of gigabit

First recorded in 1965–70; giga- + bit ³

Example Sentences

If you have gigabit internet, make sure the VPN won’t bottleneck you.

From Salon • Feb. 11, 2026

The European Commission wants all European households to be covered by a gigabit network and all populated areas covered by 5G by 2030.

From Reuters • Dec. 12, 2022

The statement said the project would bring “2 gigabit internet speeds and affordable plans to more than 10,000 Alaskans.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 11, 2022

Schemes such as farm building conversions, investment in new visitor accommodation, provision of gigabit broadband at village community hubs and the creation of new footpaths and cycleways would be eligible for funding.

From BBC • Sep. 2, 2022

Each Eero 6 Plus router is a dual-band, gigabit system that supports over 75 simultaneously connected gadgets.

From The Verge • Aug. 25, 2022