router

1 of 3

noun (1)

rout·​er ˈrau̇-tər 

: one that routs: such as

a

: a routing plane

b

: a machine with a revolving vertical spindle and cutter for milling out the surface of wood or metal

router

2 of 3

noun (2)

rout·​er ˈrü-tər 

ˈrau̇-

: one that routes

especially : a device that mediates the transmission routes of data packets over an electronic communications network (such as the Internet)

router

3 of 3

noun (3)

rout·​er ˈrü-tər 

ˈrau̇-

: a horse trained for distance races

Examples of router in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Listed in our Best Routers guide as the best option for folks looking to try Wi-Fi 6E, this hexagonal Asus router performed well in my tests. —Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 10 Oct. 2024

Adjusted pricing and added several new deals, including those for the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery and Eero Max 7 router. —Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2024

Keep an eye out for gaming units, security cameras, tablets, Wi-Fi routers, chargers, and smartwatches too. —Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 9 Oct. 2024

From easy installation to future-proof features, these routers offer the best in convenience and performance. —Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

rout entry 4 + -er entry 2

Noun (2)

route entry 2 + -er entry 2

Noun (3)

route entry 1 (in sense "race of a mile or more") + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1818, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1903, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

circa 1951, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

router

1 of 2 noun

rout·​er ˈrau̇t-ər 

: a machine for cutting out the surface of wood or metal

router

2 of 2 noun

rout·​er ˈrüt-ər 

ˈrau̇t-

: one that routes

especially : a device that sends data from one place to another within a computer network or between computer networks