TCP/IP

noun

ˌtē-(ˌ)sē-ˈpē-ˌī-ˈpē

: a set of communications protocols used for the exchange of information over networks and especially over the Internet

Word History

Etymology

transmission-control protocol/Internet protocol

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of TCP/IP was in 1980

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

TCP

TCP/IP

TCR

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“TCP/IP.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/TCP%2FIP. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

spontaneous

Listen to the pronunciation of spontaneous

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)