net

The word “net” means a mesh of woven cord, string, or rope used for catching or trapping things, or as a barrier. In plain terms, a mesh used for catching or dividing things, the internet in short form, or the final amount left after deductions.

“Net” is pronounced neht (/nɛt/ in IPA).

Here is “net” used in a sentence: “The fisherman cast his net into the harbor.”

Words with a similar meaning to “net” include mesh, network and trap.

Depending on how it is used, “net” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.

The word “net” comes from Old English. From Old English net, nett, going back to a very old root meaning "to knot, turn, or twist.".

“Net” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Net” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mesh of woven cord, string, or rope used for catching or trapping things, or as a barrier.

In money and quantities, net means the amount left after deductions — net pay is your salary after tax. Gross is the full amount before anything is taken out. This is a different sense of the word from a net you catch fish with, though both spellings are identical.

Nets come in many forms depending on their job: fishing nets and butterfly nets for catching, safety nets and mosquito nets for protection, and goal, tennis, or volleyball nets in sport. Hair nets and cargo nets act as coverings or barriers. All share the same woven, mesh-like structure.

A net is used to catch or trap things, such as fish, insects, or falling performers, and to act as a barrier or divider, like the net across a tennis court. Its open, woven mesh lets air or water pass through while holding back larger objects.

Everyday examples include a fishing net dragged through water, the net at the back of a football goal, a butterfly net, and a hair net worn in kitchens. Each is made of knotted or woven cord arranged in an open, grid-like mesh.