: a wireless standard (as for mobile devices) that was designed to be capable of supporting data transfer for high-definition video streaming
If you haven't been keeping up with all the network developments, here's a quick primer: standard 4G can offer theoretical download speeds of up to 150 Mbps …Nick Summers
They [cellular carriers] simply make 5G-specific changes to the towers and can start serving 5G right alongside 4G throughout most of the country.Andrew Martonik
often used before another noun
a 4G network
compare 5G

Word History

Etymology

abbreviation of fourth generation

First Known Use

2000, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of 4G was in 2000

Dictionary Entries Near 4G

Cite this Entry

“4G.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/4G. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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