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

As a result, it consumes much less energy per bit of transmitted data compared to conventional Wi-Fi systems.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

United raved about its free speedy Starlink Wi-Fi at a media event in Los Angeles last week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Delta said it plans to use Amazon’s nascent Leo satellite-internet business to provide Wi-Fi on an initial 500 aircraft starting in 2028.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

I ask my mom if there’s Wi-Fi in Puerto Rico and she says yes but she doesn’t want to be using her phone while we’re there.

From "Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish" by Pablo Cartaya