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

Airlines know how badly we want better in-flight Wi-Fi, so they keep trotting out incremental updates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

Right now, if you want to use Starlink for a voice call, you need to use Wi-Fi calling or VoIP.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 22, 2026

The device uses what the company calls a six-layer hybrid positioning system, combining GPS, assisted GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, Bluetooth, cellular network data, and active radar-style search functions.

From Slate • Jun. 20, 2026

They also protect users’ data on public Wi-Fi, like at cafes or airports, from hackers.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

“You suppose? Y’all got like Wi-Fi and stuff, right?”

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro