wireless adapter

American

[wahyer-lis uh-dap-ter] / ˈwaɪər lɪs əˈdæp tər /

noun

Digital Technology.

a device that can be plugged into a USB port to enable wireless access from a computer to an external Wi-Fi device, as a mobile phone, or to the internet, via high-speed broadband, or to enable wireless connectivity in a printer or other peripheral.

Etymology

Origin of wireless adapter

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In addition, it works on Xbox One, as well as PC with the Xbox USB wireless adapter, or via Bluetooth with iOS, Android, and other platforms that support gamepads.

From The Verge • Aug. 17, 2021

The wireless adapter, for example, costs around $300.

From The Verge • Oct. 10, 2019

Meanwhile, HTC has improved the original Vive with an alternate head strap, an eye-tracking system, a wireless adapter, and a tracking disc to make building custom controllers easier.

From The Verge • Oct. 10, 2019

The device must be wired to a home router, or connect with a $49 wireless adapter.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 21, 2011

For $100 more, you get one wireless adapter for a desktop or notebook.

From Time Magazine Archive

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023