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

Google is increasingly focused on transforming its traditional search engine into an AI search experience with AI overviews. — Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 26 July 2026

European regulators said that Google abused its position as the world’s largest search engine, ranking its own results for services including shopping, travel and translation above those of competitors. — Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

As usual, digital ads fueled by Google’s dominant search engine propelled the quarter’s revenue growth, boosted by World Cup advertising, especially on YouTube. — Barbara Ortutay, Fortune, 23 July 2026

Multiple states have taken the company to court for anti-competitive sales practices across its search engine, app stores and ads. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 23 July 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