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

As customers increasingly use AI tools to find discounts and compare options, brands must optimize their online store architecture and product data for AI search engines to avoid losing visibility to competitors during peak deal-hunting moments. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

After announcing plans to introduce its own streaming service last month, JustWatch, a popular guide and search engine for finding things to watch on existing platforms like Disney Plus and Netflix, launched JustWatch TV today. — Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2026

Push Security reports that four out of five ClickFix attacks it detects reach victims through search engines. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Nadella, who was leading Microsoft’s search engine team at the time, thought the deal made little sense. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 15 Oct. 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