net·work
ˈnet-ˌwərk 
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
Joseph Addison2
: 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 and peripherals that are able to communicate with each other
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
networked; networking; networks
1
: to cover with or as if with a network
In a continent … so networked with navigable rivers and canals …—The Lamp
The Lamp2
3
: to join (things, such as computers) in a network
: to engage in networking
Examples of network in a Sentence
Noun
He hooked up his computer to the network.
The show is getting good ratings for the network.
Verb
The computers are networked to one main server.
She spent the day networking with other executives.
Recent Examples on the Web
Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
The data broker profile built on you, listing your phone number, your relatives' names, and your address, is still there, still searchable, and still pointing scammers directly at the most vulnerable people in your network.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026
Alba and Brennan created Culture Makers in an effort to increase networking opportunities and support for Latinos in the entertainment industry.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for network
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
With the invention of the cotton gin and the expansion of the steamboat transportation network, Natchez soon became the epicenter of American capitalism and was once one of the wealthiest cities.
—Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
The data broker profile built on you, listing your phone number, your relatives' names, and your address, is still there, still searchable, and still pointing scammers directly at the most vulnerable people in your network.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
Verb
Still, commenters said there’s a difference between dressing comfortably and looking like you’re headed to a networking event at all times.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026
Alba and Brennan created Culture Makers in an effort to increase networking opportunities and support for Latinos in the entertainment industry.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for network
Cite this Entry
“Network.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/network. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
network
1 of 2 noun
net·work
ˈnet-ˌwərk
1
: a fabric or structure of cords or wires that cross with even spacings
2
: a system of lines or channels resembling a network
3
: a group or system of related or connected parts
especially
: a group of connected radio or television stations
4
: a system of computers connected by communications lines
network
2 of 2 verb1
: to cover with or join into a network
2
: to join together in a network
networked the classroom's computers
Medical Definition
network
noun
net·work
ˈnet-ˌwərk
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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