noun

5G

fyv-JEE

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5G (noun) means the fifth generation of mobile phone network technology, designed to carry data faster and to more devices at once than the 4G networks that came before it. Example: “The new phone supports 5G, though coverage where I live is patchy.”

noun

The fifth generation of mobile phone network technology, designed to carry data faster and to more devices at once than the 4G networks that came before it.

"The new phone supports 5G, though coverage where I live is patchy."

"5G rolled out in most large cities before it reached rural areas."

adjective

Describing a phone, network, mast or plan that uses this technology.

"She switched to a 5G tariff when her contract came up for renewal."

How to use 5G

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe newest main type of mobile phone signal, meant to be faster than the one before.

When to use it

Everyday consumer term. Written as a numeral plus capital G, with no space.

Memory tip

5G and the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band are unrelated despite both containing a five; one is a mobile network generation, the other a Wi-Fi radio band.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

4G LTE Wi-Fi 5 GHz

Common pairings

5G coverage 5G network 5G phone 5G rollout switch to 5G

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “5G” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The new phone supports _____, though coverage where I live is patchy.

Etymology

A shortening of fifth generation, continuing the numbering used for earlier mobile network standards such as 3G and 4G.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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fifth-generation mobile 5G network 5G-capable fifth-generation

Antonyms

4G LTE 3G

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 5G and Wi-Fi?

5G is a mobile network run by a phone operator and reached through masts across a wide area, using your SIM or eSIM. Wi-Fi is a short-range network inside one building, provided by a router. A phone can use either to get online, and will often switch between them.

Does 5G replace 4G?

Not immediately. Networks generally run 5G alongside 4G, and a phone falls back to 4G where 5G coverage is absent. Older generations are retired gradually over many years.

Why is 5G coverage sometimes worse than 4G in the same place?

Some 5G uses higher radio frequencies that carry more data but travel shorter distances and are more easily blocked by buildings and walls. That means more masts are needed to cover the same area, so coverage builds up unevenly.

What is the meaning of 5G?

"5G" (noun) means the fifth generation of mobile phone network technology, designed to carry data faster and to more devices at once than the 4G networks that came before it.