netizen

noun

net·​i·​zen ˈne-tə-zən 

also -sən

: an active participant in the online community of the Internet

Synonyms of netizen

• surfer

Examples of netizen in a Sentence

the dismaying rudeness that so many netizens exhibit while online

Recent Examples on the Web

While the start of a new year usually marks an occasion to set sights on the future and prepare for the year ahead, this year, netizens were primed to do the exact opposite. —Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026

The average netizen can probably get away with only a 4TB external hard drive. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026

Cambodian netizens claim that some practices widely regarded as Thai in origin—such as Muay Thai and traditional Thai dress—are actually from Cambodia, angering their Thai counterparts. —Angelica Ang, Fortune, 16 Dec. 2025

Already, the divestment news is stirring up some excitement on the Chinese internet, with some netizens wondering if Starbucks may join competitors Luckin Coffee and others in offering more affordable drink options. —John Liu, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

blend of net and citizen

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

netizen

noun

net·​i·​zen ˈnet-ə-zən 

: a user of the Internet