search engine

noun

: computer software used to search data (such as text or a database) for specified information

also : a site on the Internet that uses such software to locate key words in other sites

Examples of search engine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some publications may remove articles from search engine indexing, but this is uncommon and typically requires a strong justification. — Victoria Marshall, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Improving technology and travel search engines also give travelers more transparency into price deals for various destinations at particular times of year, experts said. — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

The internet company runs a leading search engine and major digital advertising network and is based in Mountain View, California. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026

The Orlando Health survey found that 51% of women ages 18 to 44 would first seek answers from AI, social media or an online search engine rather than contacting a doctor, lactation specialist or family member. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

search engine

noun

: computer software used to search data (as text or a database) for specified information

also : a website that uses such software