network

1 of 2

noun

net·​work ˈnet-ˌwərk How to pronounce network (audio)
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 networkJoseph 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 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

network

2 of 2

verb

networked; networking; networks

transitive verb

1
: to cover with or as if with a network
a continent … so networked with navigable rivers and canalsLamp
2
chiefly British : to distribute for broadcast on a television network
3
: to join (things, such as computers) in a network

intransitive verb

: to engage in networking
networker noun

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
Noun
At the time, the company’s stock had fallen 45% in two years as Viacom faced declining ratings at some of its key networks, including Comedy Central and MTV, as well as struggles at its Paramount Pictures film studio. Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2024 Such crossovers aren’t unusual in Hollywood, where individuals are accustomed to working for rival studios or networks. Christina Binkley, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2024 The promotion ends on Monday April 29 and offers deals to many popular destinations in Frontier’s network including Atlanta, Austin, New York, Orlando, and more. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2024 Are resources flowing your way in the form of generous benefactors, bull markets, and the various forms of tangible and emotional assistance that make up your support network? Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Apr. 2024 The network will also introduce a new NCIS series in the 2024-25 season, a prequel subtitled Origins that follows a younger version of Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell). Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Apr. 2024 Many outlets, largely chasing viral traffic on Facebook, threw millions of dollars and scores of staff at shiny new video operations — only to retreat after the social network changed its strategy. Reggie Ugwu, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2024 Cities or states could throw a few dollars at expanding this network. Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 26 Apr. 2024 Swarts pointed out that, because the network didn’t know how The Golden Bachelor would perform with audiences, the first season had a shorter run than a typical Bachelor or Bachelorette season, which led to less time for Turner to get to know all of his suitors. Dana Rose Falcone, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024
Verb
With over 120 employers present at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, the Autism in Entertainment Conference was one of the largest industry networking events for neurodivergent creatives. Jack Dunn, Variety, 6 Apr. 2024 Additionally, platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite offer opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals in person through industry events, workshops, and networking meetups. Ebony Flake, Essence, 5 Apr. 2024 Attend networking events, workshops, and conferences dedicated to women in business that offer opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and access to potential investors. Rohit Arora, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024 The period after your presentation should be spent accepting your accolades and networking with fellow professionals in your field. Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 The job networking social media site was back up by the early evening. Matt Novak / Gizmodo, Quartz, 6 Mar. 2024 The site will be networked to Goldcrest’s base in Manhattan. Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 4 Apr. 2024 The company also has a global diversity and inclusion council and employee networking groups. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024 At this event, attendees can network with entrepreneurs involved with EY’s thriving communities. John Hall, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'network.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1845, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of network was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near network

Cite this Entry

“Network.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/network. Accessed 1 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

network

1 of 2 noun
net·​work ˈnet-ˌwərk How to pronounce network (audio)
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 verb
1
: 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 How to pronounce network (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on network

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