network

1 of 2

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

… ribbons, lace and embroidery wrought together in a most curious piece of network …

—Joseph 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 canals

—Lamp

2

chiefly British : to distribute for broadcast on a television network

also : broadcast sense 3

3

: to join (things, such as computers) in a network

intransitive verb

: to engage in networking

networker

ˈnet-ˌwər-kər 

noun

Synonyms

Noun

• mesh
• net
• netting

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

Add in multi-platform ratings, and some shows are drawing audiences that would have made a network proud in the 2000s. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024

The federal government already relies on an intricate network of for-profit companies to execute its immigration enforcement. —Nick Penzenstadler, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024

Verb

In, often focused on networking and climbing the corporate ladder. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024

Here are some approaches neurotypical colleagues might find useful when networking neuroinclusively: Forget the Stereotypes. —Ludmila Praslova, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1845, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing network

• local area network
• neural network
• old boy network
• old boys' network
• social network
• sub-network
• virtual private network
• wide area network

Kids 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 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 

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