network

1 of 2

noun

net·​work ˈnet-ˌwərk How to pronounce network (audio)
Synonyms of networknext
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
In a continent … so networked with navigable rivers and canals …The Lamp
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Many boasted about new connections and time spent widening professional networks. Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025 In short, data centers are physical locations, typically large warehouses, that organizations use to house their critical information technology infrastructure, including but not limited to hardware, software and networks. Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 17 Dec. 2025
Verb
The association, which counts some 80,000 members, represents micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and provides services including business development support, legal and tax consultancy, networking activities, and international competitiveness promotion. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2025 Some argue that Putnam and others are using too limited a measurement — that people are finding new ways of connecting to replace the old ones, whether online or other newer forms of networking. Peter Smith, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for network

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Network.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/network. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

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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