domain

noun

do·​main dō-ˈmān How to pronounce domain (audio)
də-
1
law
a
: complete and absolute (see absolute sense 3) ownership of land
our highways and roads have been in the domain of state and local governmentsT. H. White b. 1915
compare eminent domain
b
: land so owned
2
: a territory over which dominion (see dominion sense 2) is exercised
The forest is part of the king's domain.
3
: a region distinctively marked by some physical feature
a domain of rushing streams, tall trees, and lakes
4
: a sphere (see sphere sense 4b) of knowledge, influence, or activity
the domain of biblical scholarship
outside the domain of city police
5
mathematics : the set of elements (see element sense 2b(3)) to which a mathematical or logical variable is limited
specifically : the set on which a function (see function entry 1 sense 5a) is defined
6
physics : any of the small randomly oriented regions of uniform magnetization in a ferromagnetic substance
7
mathematics : integral domain
8
biology : the highest taxonomic category in biological classification ranking above the kingdom (see kingdom sense 4b)
9
biochemistry : any of the three-dimensional subunits of a protein that are formed by the folding of its linear peptide chain and that together make up its tertiary (see tertiary entry 1 sense 3c) structure
10
computers : a subdivision of the Internet consisting of computers or sites usually with a common purpose (such as providing commercial information) and denoted in Internet addresses by a unique abbreviation (such as com for commercial sites or gov for government sites)
The domain ca is used for sites located in Canada.
also : domain name
Our domain is Merriam-Webster.com.

Examples of domain in a Sentence

The forest is part of the king's domain. My sister is the math expert in the family, but literature is my domain. Childcare is no longer solely a female domain.
Recent Examples on the Web Google, once again, said this policy regarding benefits was not in their domain but Cognizant’s. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2024 Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images WATCH SAKURA's Guide to Hydrating Skin Care and a Lash Curling Trick Once the domain of BBQ kitsch and limited-edition Old Navy merch, American flag fashion has taken on a certain charge in the post-2016 era. Mattie Kahn, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2024 The spike in domain squatting is just one of the issues that have tarnished Google Search’s reputation in recent years. Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 5 Mar. 2024 Additionally, most states require at least one year of accounting experience under the supervision of a CPA. CPA Exam Structure Technically, there are actually six CPA exams, each designed to test a different domain of accounting knowledge and skills needed to earn a CPA license. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2024 This innovative integration is changing the game for sellers across the nation, offering a level of predictability and strategic insight previously unseen in the dropshipping domain. Chris Gallagher, The Arizona Republic, 2 Mar. 2024 According to Rogers’s book, the first lady vs. first daughter power struggle began with Ivanka's attempts to take over the White House's East Wing (traditionally the domain of the First Lady), while Melania was still in New York City to let her son, Barron, finish out the school year. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 28 Feb. 2024 Though it’s been more than half a year since the divisive rebrand, the platform’s web domain is still twitter.com — even x.com redirects to the original link. Saira Mueller, CNN, 23 Feb. 2024 Such features, which were once the domain of sophisticated software suites, are now accessible to a broader audience. Katherine Kostereva, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English demayne, from Anglo-French demeine, from Latin dominium, from dominus — see dominate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of domain was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near domain

Cite this Entry

“Domain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/domain. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

domain

noun
do·​main dō-ˈmān How to pronounce domain (audio)
də-
1
: a territory over which control is exercised
2
: an area of influence, knowledge, or activity
3
: a small region of a magnetic substance that contains atoms all lined up in the same direction and behaving like a single tiny magnet
4
: the highest category in the scientific classification of living things ranking above the kingdom
5
: a main subdivision of the Internet
also : domain name
Etymology

from early French demeine "land one owns," from Latin dominium "rule, ownership," from dominus "master, owner" — related to condominium, dominate, dominion

Medical Definition

domain

noun
do·​main dō-ˈmān, də- How to pronounce domain (audio)
1
: any of the three-dimensional subunits of a protein that together make up its tertiary structure, that are formed by folding its linear peptide chain, and that are variously considered to be the basic units of protein structure, function, and evolution
immunoglobulin light chains have two domains and heavy chains have four or five domains, depending on classJournal of the American Medical Association
2
: the highest taxonomic category in biological classification ranking above the kingdom

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