noun

.com

DOT-kom

.com (noun) means the most widely used top-level internet domain, forming the last part of a web address such as example.com. It was intended for commercial organisations but is now open to anyone. Example: “We bought the .com as well as the .co.uk.”

noun

The most widely used top-level internet domain, forming the last part of a web address such as example.com. It was intended for commercial organisations but is now open to anyone.

"We bought the .com as well as the .co.uk."

"Every good .com name seems to be taken."

informal A company that does its business chiefly over the internet, especially one from the late-1990s boom in such firms.

"He made his money at a dot-com before the crash."

How to Use .com

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe ending of most website addresses.

When to use it

Written .com in addresses and usually dot-com when used as an ordinary noun or adjective.

Memory tip

Say the dot aloud: 'example dot com'. In print, keep the full stop attached with no space.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

.com vs .net .com vs .org .com vs .co

Common pairings

dot-com boom dot-com bubble register a .com .com domain

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Etymology

A shortening of commercial, chosen as the label for the commercial top-level domain.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

dot-com internet company online business

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between .com and .org?

.com was created for commercial use and is now the default choice for almost any site, while .org was intended for non-profit organisations and still carries that association. Neither is restricted in practice, so the difference is mainly one of expectation.

Does .com still matter for a website?

Yes, mostly for recognition. People default to typing .com, so a matching .com reduces lost traffic and misdirected email, even though search engines do not favour it over other endings.

What does .com actually stand for?

Commercial. It is one of the original top-level domains, alongside .org, .net, .edu and .gov.