network

play

noun net·work \ ˈnet-ˌwərk \

Definition of network

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 network …
—Joseph 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, peripherals, terminals (see ²terminal 2), and databases connected by communications lines

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

See network defined for English-language learners

See network defined for kids

Examples of network in a Sentence

He hooked up his computer to the network.
The show is getting good ratings for the network.

Recent Examples of network from the Web

ZELLE Account holders at banks that are part of the clearXchange network can take advantage of the new Zelle app, which allows you to securely send money to others by using your bank’s mobile app.

— idahostatesman, "5 free ways to send money to family and friends," 17 July 2017
There’s a creative ferment, with burgeoning art and tech and food scenes, a rapidly expanding rail network, and, well, all the other stuff this magazine covers.

— matthew segal, Los Angeles Magazine, "One of the Keys to Enjoying L.A. Is Driving Farther Than a Reasonable Person Should," 14 July 2017
Multiple sources told the network if could be for one or two games.

— vince langford, star-telegram, "Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott bracing for ‘short’ suspension, sources tell ESPN," 14 July 2017
Founded in 2006, Moishe House launched when four Jewish 20-somethings began hosting Shabbat [Jewish Sabbath] dinners in Oakland for their friends and networks.

— randall p. lieberman, Jewish Journal, "Moishe House for young Jewish adults starts in Delray Beach," 13 July 2017
A buyout of True Value, with nearly 4,400 stores, would almost double Ace's retail store network of about 5,000 stores.

— robert reed, chicagotribune.com, "Ace eyes True Value hardware buyout deal," 12 July 2017
International insurers have recently been seeking ways to expand their reach in Asia by selling products through lenders’ branch networks.

— jonathan browning, Bloomberg.com, "FWD Is Said Poised to Renew Thai Bank Pact as M&A Talks Fizzle," 11 July 2017
These avenues might include opinion pieces, columns in the local newspapers or interviews with local public radio and television networks.

— esther ngumbi, Scientific American Blog Network, "Scientists Should Talk Directly to the Public," 10 July 2017
But so far, under a decades-old law, the FCC is saying only federal agences have that permission and the cell phone industry is afraid any change could weaken their networks.

— tony dokoupil, CBS News, "Prison official warns of more high-tech escape attempts after prison break," 8 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'network.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of network

1530

network Synonyms

Synonyms

mesh, netting, ¹net

Related Words

web, webbing; grille (also grill), lattice, screen, screening, wirework; bobbinet, Brussels lace, filigree, fishnet, lace, marquisette, tulle

Near Antonyms

loner; individualist

Other Computer-Related Terms

adware, flash, kludge, phishing, recursive, router

network

verb

Definition of network

transitive verb

1 :to cover with or as if with a network

a continent … so networked with navigable rivers and canals
—Lamp

2 chiefly British :to distribute for broadcast on a television network; also :broadcast 3

3 :to join (things, such as computers) in a network

intransitive verb

:to engage in networking

—

networker

play \ˈnet-ˌwər-kər\ noun

See network defined for English-language learners

Examples of network in a Sentence

The computers are networked to one main server.
She spent the day networking with other executives.

Recent Examples of network from the Web

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Networking may become work.

— jeraldine saunders, The Mercury News, "Horoscopes: May 22, 2017," 22 May 2017
The network allows increased visibility and easier networking for people to help each other and support each others' businesses.

— kara carlson, azcentral, "Scottsdale business network wants you to think women first," 27 Apr. 2017
Networking For Your Success: 8 a.m. Thursdays at Lexington Oaks Country Club, 2615 Lexington Oaks Blvd.

— jean hamilton, Tampa Bay Times, "Pasco Business digest for Feb. 24," 20 Feb. 2017
Networking begins at 5:30 p.m., meeting starts at 6 p.m. Guests welcome.

— jean hamilton, Tampa Bay Times, "Pasco Business digest for Feb. 24," 20 Feb. 2017

Origin and Etymology of network

see ¹network

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1845

See Words from the same year

NETWORK Defined for English Language Learners

network

play

noun

Definition of network for English Language Learners

: a system of lines, wires, etc., that are connected to each other
: a system of computers and other devices (such as printers) that are connected to each other
: a group of people or organizations that are closely connected and that work with each other

network

verb

Definition of network for English Language Learners

: to connect (computers) in a way that allows information and equipment to be shared
: to talk with people whose jobs are similar to yours especially for business opportunities or advice

NETWORK Defined for Kids

network

play

noun net·work \ ˈnet-ˌwərk \

Definition of network for Students

1 :an arrangement of things forming a pattern with spaces between

a network of roads

2 :a system of computers connected by communications lines

3 :a group of connected radio or television stations

Medical Dictionary

network

play

noun net·work \ ˈnet-ˌwərk \

medical Definition of network

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

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Other Computer-Related Terms

network

Definition of network

networker

Examples of network in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of network

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NETWORK Defined for English Language Learners

network

Definition of network for English Language Learners

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Definition of network for English Language Learners

NETWORK Defined for Kids

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Definition of network for Students

Medical Dictionary

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