server
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for server, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A computer or program that provides data or services to other computers over a network.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
host computer
network host
back-end
Antonyms
How to use server
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
restaurant server
web server
Discord server
server crash
Etymology
From serve + -er, "one who serves."
Full origin of server →Frequently asked questions
What does “server” mean?
The word “server” means a computer or program that provides data or services to other computers over a network. In plain terms, either the person bringing your food, the machine hosting a website, or an online group chat space.
How do you pronounce “server”?
“Server” is pronounced SUR-vuh (/ˈsɝvɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “server” in a sentence?
Here is “server” used in a sentence: “The website went down when the server crashed.”
What part of speech is “server”?
“Server” is a noun.
Is “server” a common word?
“Server” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “server” have?
“Server” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a computer or program that provides data or services to other computers over a network.
What is the difference between a server and a client?
In networking the two are defined by their roles: a server provides data, files, or services, while a client is the computer or program that requests and uses them. Your laptop's browser is a client asking for a web page; the machine that stores and sends that page is the server.
What are the types of servers?
Servers are usually named for the service they provide. Common types include web servers that deliver websites, file servers that store shared documents, database servers that manage data, mail servers that handle email, and game servers that host online play. One physical machine can run several of these roles at once.
What is the difference between a server and the cloud?
A server is a single computer or program providing services, whereas 'the cloud' refers to large networks of servers, usually run by big providers, that you access over the internet. Put simply, the cloud is made up of many servers housed in data centres, rented out instead of owned.
Can an ordinary computer be a server?
Yes. Any computer can act as a server if it runs software that provides data or services to others on a network. Dedicated servers are built for reliability, speed, and constant uptime, but a home desktop can host files, a website, or a game for other machines to connect to.
