bluetooth
n.n. a wireless technology that lets electronic devices like phones, headphones, and computers talk to each other over short distances.
n. a short-range wireless communication technology that uses radio waves to transmit data between fixed and mobile devices. When capitalised, it refers to the specific industry standard and trademark.
I connected my phone to the car using Bluetooth.
Most modern smartphones use Bluetooth to stream high-quality audio to wireless headphones without needing a physical cable.
The security protocol for Bluetooth has evolved significantly to prevent unauthorised devices from intercepting data packets during the initial pairing process between a peripheral and a host.
Named after the 10th-century Danish king Harald Bluetooth, who united disparate Scandinavian tribes. The moniker was selected as a temporary internal codename by engineers to reflect the technology's intended purpose of unifying communication protocols.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'Bluetooth speaker' or 'Bluetooth connection'.
Last updated July 22, 2026