network
NEHT-wurk
Network (noun) means a group of interconnected people, systems, or things, such as a social or professional circle. Example: “Joining the club gave me a network of friends who helped me find work.”
noun
1
A group of interconnected people, systems, or things, such as a social or professional circle.
"Joining the club gave me a network of friends who helped me find work."
"Small business owners often rely on a local network for advice and support."
"She built a strong network of contacts throughout her career."
2
A system of connected computers or devices that share information.
"The school installed a wireless network so pupils could use tablets in every classroom."
"I can't print because my laptop has lost its connection to the home network."
"The office network went down for most of the morning."
3
A group of affiliated broadcast stations sharing programming.
"The network has decided to move the quiz show to a later evening slot."
"Local news is carried by a regional network that reaches several counties."
"The show aired on a major television network."
verb
1
To build professional or social relationships, or to connect devices together.
"If you want a new job, you should network with people in your field."
"He spent the conference networking with other developers."
"The technician networked all the computers in the building."
How to use network
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA connected system of people, computers, or broadcast stations, or the act of building such connections.
Common pairings
computer network
social network
networking event
TV network
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Word forms
- Plural
- networks
- Third person singular
- networks
- Past tense
- networked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Joining the club gave me a _____ of friends who helped me find work.
Etymology
From net + work — originally describing a literal woven, net-like structure, later extended to any interconnected system.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “network” mean?
The word “network” means a group of interconnected people, systems, or things, such as a social or professional circle. In plain terms, a connected system of people, computers, or broadcast stations, or the act of building such connections.
How do you pronounce “network”?
“Network” is pronounced NEHT-wurk (/ˈnɛt.wɝk/ in IPA).
How do you use “network” in a sentence?
Here is “network” used in a sentence: “She built a strong network of contacts throughout her career.”
What part of speech is “network”?
Depending on how it is used, “network” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “network” a common word?
“Network” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “network” have?
“Network” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a group of interconnected people, systems, or things, such as a social or professional circle.
What are the main types of networks?
The word covers many kinds: social networks of friends and family; professional networks of work contacts; computer networks linking devices; and physical networks such as road, rail, or power grids. All share the same idea, separate parts connected so they can interact or share resources.
What is the difference between a network and a system?
A network is a set of connected parts, whether people, computers, or places, linked so they can interact. A system is a broader whole made of parts working together towards a function. A network emphasises the connections between units; a system emphasises how everything operates as one organised whole.
What does 'networking' mean?
Networking, used as a verb, means building and maintaining relationships, especially professional ones, to share information, opportunities, or support. It might happen at events, online, or through introductions. The term draws directly on the noun: you are extending your personal network of useful contacts and connections.
What is an example of a network?
Examples are everywhere: a group of colleagues who share job leads, the internet linking billions of computers, a broadcaster's network of TV stations, or a city's network of buses and trains. In each, individual parts are connected so they can communicate, cooperate, or move things along.
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