In this article, a tri-band-printed sector-shaped slot antenna with better band-rejected characteristics within the band of 4–5 GHz is presented. By using a pair parasitic elements along the microstrip feed line, wideband performances can be achieved, and then, with use of two strips perpendicular to the parasitic element, tri-band operation is able to be obtained. Furthermore, two C-shaped strips are embedded within the slot aperture to enable the better band-stop characteristics within band of 4–5 GHz. The antenna is calibrated for wireless local area network/worldwide interoperability microwave access applications, which cover the 2.4–2.69, 3.4–3.79, and 5.15–5.95 GHz frequency bands. Details of the proposed antenna configuration and design procedure are given; the experimental results are also discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2821–2825, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25608