Wi-Fi Finds Its Way Into Webster’s

"Wi-Fi (certification mark) -- used to certify the interoperability of wireless computer networking devices."

“Wi-Fi (certification mark) — used to certify the interoperability of wireless computer networking devices.”

Such is the definition of Wi-Fi, according to the newest edition of Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. It was announced today by the Wi-Fi Alliance trade organization that Wi-Fi was one of nearly 100 new words added to the venerable dictionary.

“You know you’ve truly made it when you’re in Webster’s dictionary,” said Frank Hanzlik, Managing Director of the Wi-Fi Alliance. “Wi-Fi is not only a way of life for thousands and thousands but also is now a bona fide part of the English language.”

Wi-Fi joins choice other new words and phrases such as brain freeze, chick flick and metadata, said Hanzlik.

“When you look at how long it took some of the new entries to make it into the dictionary, we feel honored to have been included so soon after Wi-Fi first came on the scene,” he added. “Webster’s dates the newly included ‘chick flick’ back to 1985, but it only took ‘Wi-Fi’ a few years of use to make it, which is a testament to the fast-growing popularity of this technology.”