Wi-Fi

[ wahy-fahy ]

/ ˈwaɪˌfaɪ /

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Computers, Trademark.

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

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of Wi-Fi

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

Words nearby Wi-Fi

wifehood, wifelike, wifely, wife swapping, wifey, Wi-Fi, wig, wigan, wigeon, wigged, wigger

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Wi-Fi in a sentence

Some devices automatically save Wi-Fi credentials and connect to known networks as soon as they’re in range.
How to create a Wi-Fi hotspot on your phone or computer|Sandra Gutierrez G.|February 24, 2021|Popular-Science
As long as the speaker is on the same Wi-Fi network as the Fire TV and logged into the same Amazon account, you can use your Echo to control what’s on the big screen.
7 tips and tricks to make the most of your Amazon Fire TV|David Nield|February 24, 2021|Popular-Science
You’ll find a wood-burning stove, a camp-like kitchen, and total solitude, but don’t expect Wi-Fi or electricity.
11 Amazing Airbnbs Near the Grand Canyon|Megan Michelson|February 15, 2021|Outside Online
If you are hoping to forgo cables altogether, keep in mind you’ll probably need to connect via Wi-Fi, though some are equipped with Bluetooth.
Best all-in-one printer: Upgrade your home office with these multitasking machines|Carsen Joenk|February 8, 2021|Popular-Science

Boston Dynamics says it has bolstered Spot’s Wi-Fi performance, but there’s also a high-speed ethernet port in the dock itself, so the robot can quickly dump the data it collected while out in the field.
Boston Dynamics gave its dog-like robot a charging dock and an arm on its head|Stan Horaczek|February 2, 2021|Popular-Science
The added charge for access to hotel Wi-Fi is not only exploitative but increasingly irrelevant.
How ‘Ethical’ Hotel Chain Marriott Gouges Guests in the Name of Wi-Fi Security|Kyle Chayka|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“Personal hotspots can get speeds of up to 60 Mb/s down, whereas hotel Wi-Fi can be as slow as 1.5 Mb/s,” Sesar said.
How ‘Ethical’ Hotel Chain Marriott Gouges Guests in the Name of Wi-Fi Security|Kyle Chayka|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
That could include private financial or personal information—like the credit-card numbers you used to pay for the corrupted Wi-Fi.
How ‘Ethical’ Hotel Chain Marriott Gouges Guests in the Name of Wi-Fi Security|Kyle Chayka|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And in either case, “the significant benefit from allowing Wi-Fi hotspots outweighs these concerns.”
How ‘Ethical’ Hotel Chain Marriott Gouges Guests in the Name of Wi-Fi Security|Kyle Chayka|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In 21st century parks, trees are powering power wi-fi routers and benches charge smartphones.
Parks and Regeneration|The Daily Beast|November 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi

/ (ˈwaɪˌfaɪ) /

noun

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

Word Origin for Wi-Fi

C20: from wi (reless) fi (delity)

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