# gigabit

/ɡˈɪɡəbˌɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gigabit
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a unit of measurement for digital information, equal to one billion bits. It is used to describe the speed of internet connections or the amount of data in a file.

For teachers: a unit of digital information or computer storage, equal to one billion (10^9) bits. Often used in the context of data transfer rates or network bandwidth.

## Examples

- My new internet plan offers a speed of one gigabit per second.
- The technician explained that a gigabit of data is enough to download a high-definition movie in just a few seconds.
- While the hardware supports a theoretical gigabit transfer rate, actual performance is often limited by the physical constraints of the copper wiring in older residential buildings.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.