# NFC

/ˈɛˈnɛfˈsi/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nfc
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. wireless technology

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

Stands for Near Field Communication. This technology allows you to pay for things or share files by tapping your phone against a reader.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Near Field Communication. A set of communication protocols for communication between two electronic devices over a distance of 4 cm or less.

- I used NFC on my phone to pay for the bus fare without taking out my wallet.
- The integration of NFC technology into smartphones has revolutionised the retail sector by facilitating secure, instantaneous contactless transactions at the point of sale.

Usage: Usually used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier before another noun like 'chip' or 'reader'.

Teaching tip: While it is a technical term, it is now common in everyday life due to mobile payments; students should associate it with 'tapping' a device.

### 2. American football

noun · CEFR C1 · American English

Stands for National Football Conference. It is one of the two groups of teams in the NFL, the professional American football league.

For teachers: Abbreviation for National Football Conference. One of the two conferences of the National Football League (NFL) in the United States.

- His favourite team plays in the NFC, so he watches their games every Sunday.
- The winner of the NFC championship game earns the right to compete in the Super Bowl against the champion of the American Football Conference.

Usage: Always capitalized; typically used with the definite article 'the'.

Teaching tip: This sense is highly specific to North American culture and sports broadcasting.

## Examples

- My phone uses NFC to pay for groceries.
- The museum uses NFC tags next to the paintings so visitors can get more information on their smartphones.
- While Bluetooth is better for long-range audio streaming, NFC is preferred for secure transactions because the devices must be physically close to initiate a connection.

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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.