net
neht
Net (noun) means a mesh of woven cord, string, or rope used for catching or trapping things, or as a barrier. Example: “The garden was covered with a net to keep the birds off the fruit.”
noun
1
A mesh of woven cord, string, or rope used for catching or trapping things, or as a barrier.
"The garden was covered with a net to keep the birds off the fruit."
"The fisherman cast his net into the harbor."
"She jumped and the ball flew straight into the net."
2
The remaining amount after all deductions, as opposed to the gross total.
"After taxes, her net pay was much lower than her salary suggested."
"The shop's net profit was small once all the bills were paid."
"What is the net weight of the coffee, without the packaging?"
3
Short for "the internet," a global computer network.
"She read the news on the net before leaving for work."
"Children should be careful about what they share on the net."
"He spent the afternoon browsing the net."
verb
1
To catch something with a net, or to gain a certain amount as a final profit.
"After costs, the stall netted just enough to cover the hire of the hall."
"The company netted a tidy profit last quarter."
"They netted several rare butterflies for the study."
adj
1
Remaining after all relevant deductions; final and complete.
"The net weight of the box is lower than the weight with packaging."
"After all the repairs, the net gain from selling the car was small."
"The net effect of the policy was a small increase in prices."
How to use net
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA mesh used for catching or dividing things, the internet in short form, or the final amount left after deductions.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "net" (after deductions) with "gross" (before deductions) — net pay is always less than gross pay.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
net profit
net worth
surf the net
safety net
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Word forms
- Plural
- nets
- Third person singular
- nets
- Past tense
- netted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The garden was covered with a _____ to keep the birds off the fruit.
Etymology
From Old English net, nett, going back to a very old root meaning "to knot, turn, or twist."
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “net” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “net”?
“Net” is pronounced neht (/nɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “net” in a sentence?
Here is “net” used in a sentence: “The fisherman cast his net into the harbor.”
What is another word for “net”?
Words with a similar meaning to “net” include mesh, network and trap.
What part of speech is “net”?
Depending on how it is used, “net” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “net” come from?
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.".
Is “net” a common word?
“Net” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “net” have?
“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.
What is the difference between net and gross?
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.
What are the types of nets?
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.
What is a net used for?
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.
What is an example of a net?
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.
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