network

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.

“Network” is pronounced NEHT-wurk (/ˈnɛt.wɝk/ in IPA).

Here is “network” used in a sentence: “She built a strong network of contacts throughout her career.”

Depending on how it is used, “network” can be a noun and a verb.

“Network” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.