network

1 of 2

noun

net·​work ˈnet-ˌwərk How to pronounce network (audio)
1
: a fabric or structure of cords or wires that cross at regular intervals and are knotted or secured at the crossings
… ribbons, lace and embroidery wrought together in a most curious piece of networkJoseph Addison
2
: a system of lines or channels resembling a network
a telephone network
a network of blood vessels
3
a
: an interconnected or interrelated chain, group, or system
a network of hotels
b
: a system of computers and peripherals that are able to communicate with each other
4
a
: a group of radio or television stations linked by wire or radio relay
b
: a radio or television company that produces programs for broadcast over such a network
sold the show to a big network
5
: a usually informally interconnected group or association of persons (such as friends or professional colleagues)
a support network available to single mothers
a network of bird watchers

network

2 of 2

verb

networked; networking; networks

transitive verb

1
: to cover with or as if with a network
a continent … so networked with navigable rivers and canalsLamp
2
chiefly British : to distribute for broadcast on a television network
3
: to join (things, such as computers) in a network

intransitive verb

: to engage in networking
networker noun

Examples of network in a Sentence

Noun He hooked up his computer to the network. The show is getting good ratings for the network. Verb The computers are networked to one main server. She spent the day networking with other executives.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
But settlers are trying to expand those settlements by building a network of smaller outposts, without Israeli government approval, and eating into more Palestinian land. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 23 Mar. 2024 Still, Mexico has cooperated with U.S. demands for more crackdowns on migrant flows and human trafficking networks, and agreed last year to receive deportees from four countries — Nicaragua, Haiti, Venezuela and Cuba. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 Its beautiful beaches and network of navigable waterways, known as The Broads, might be the first things to come to mind for some when visualizing England’s Norfolk County. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2024 But the real estate investors, landlords and media networks that control Times Square, with its massive crowds of people, proved to be more risk-averse. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 22 Mar. 2024 The joint venture will pool ESPN+ and the companies’ linear TV networks that carry sports programming; pricing hasn’t been announced. Todd Spangler, Variety, 21 Mar. 2024 Designed to enhance connections among spring breakers, this innovative feature is set to transform the way individuals mingle and network during their vacations. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 21 Mar. 2024 Alexa Nikolas Alexa Nikolas, who played Nicole Bristow on Zoey 101, has been one of the most vocal critics of Schneider and Nickelodeon since her time on the network ended. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2024 Plus, most will be viewable on the regional sports networks affiliated with each baseball club. Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 21 Mar. 2024
Verb
Tech innovators crammed into the grand ballroom of a downtown San Jose hotel Monday evening to network with each other during the Nvidia Inception Reception, hoping to pitch — and find — the next game-changer of an idea. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2024 Utilize resources like career services at local universities or community colleges, professional associations, and networking events to explore job opportunities outside your current organization. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024 Workers have to network, stay active on LinkedIn, join message boards, and stand out. Amanda Hoover, WIRED, 13 Mar. 2024 Intending to foster the growth of Canadian companies, CIX will bring together over 200 investors and over 200 founders to network with peers, give/hear pitches and power new deals. Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2024 Don’t neglect your local market for networking opportunities, both personally and professionally. Laura Decarlo, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Data centers house servers, networking equipment and other apparatus, usually in unobtrusive, nondescript buildings. The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024 Besides, these spaces can be networking goldmines, offering connections with other entrepreneurs and potential clients. Virginia H, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 With her newfound connections, Martin began producing samples of her shoes and wore them to networking events. Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'network.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1845, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of network was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near network

Cite this Entry

“Network.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/network. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

network

1 of 2 noun
net·​work ˈnet-ˌwərk How to pronounce network (audio)
1
: a fabric or structure of cords or wires that cross with even spacings
2
: a system of lines or channels resembling a network
3
: a group or system of related or connected parts
especially : a group of connected radio or television stations
4
: a system of computers connected by communications lines

network

2 of 2 verb
1
: to cover with or join into a network
2
: to join together in a network
networked the classroom's computers

Medical Definition

network

noun
net·​work ˈnet-ˌwərk How to pronounce network (audio)
1
: a fabric or structure of cords or wires that cross at regular intervals and are knotted or secured at the crossings
2
: a system of lines or channels resembling a network
a network of veins

More from Merriam-Webster on network

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