networking

The word “networking” means the use of connected computer systems to share data and resources. In plain terms, either connecting computers together, or connecting with people to build useful contacts.

“Networking” is pronounced NEHT-wur-kihng (/ˈnɛtˌwɜː(r)kɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “networking” used in a sentence: “The office networking went down for an hour this morning.”

“Networking” is a noun.

“Networking” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Networking” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the use of connected computer systems to share data and resources.

Networking broadly means building relationships for professional or social benefit, often in person. Social networking usually refers to doing this through online platforms and websites, though the term also overlaps with the computing sense of connecting systems to share information.

A network is the structure or group of connected people or systems, while networking is the active process of building or using those connections. In short, a network is the thing, and networking is the activity.

Networking refers to computers when it describes connecting systems to share data and resources, as in setting up office networking. It refers to people when it describes building relationships for professional or social benefit, such as networking at a conference.

Both involve interacting with people socially, but networking is done with a professional or strategic purpose, such as advancing a career. Mingling is more casual and simply means moving around and chatting, without a specific goal in mind.