search engine

noun

: computer software used to search data (such as text or a database) for specified information
also : a site on the World Wide Web that uses such software to locate key words in other sites

Examples of search engine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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With the sophistication of search engines and search functions across social media and other platforms, consumers expect the highest levels of personalization in their online shopping experiences. Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 This is on top of demands related to Google's search engine business, most notably that it should be forced to sell off its Chrome browser. Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 29 Apr. 2025 The Justice Department has proposed barring Google from paying partners for its search engine to be the default. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025 Their proposals include ending exclusive agreements in which Google pays billions of dollars annually to Apple AAPL.O and other device vendors to make Google the default search engine on their tablets and smartphones. Jody Godoy, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for search engine

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of search engine was in 1984

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Cite this Entry

“Search engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/search%20engine. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on search engine

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