noun
Common
networking
NEHT-wur-kihng
Networking (noun) means the use of connected computer systems to share data and resources. Example: “The technician fixed the networking problem so every computer could reach the shared printer.”
noun
1
The use of connected computer systems to share data and resources.
"The technician fixed the networking problem so every computer could reach the shared printer."
"The office networking went down for an hour this morning."
"She studies networking as part of her IT degree."
2
Building relationships with other people for professional or social benefit.
"Good networking taught her that a friendly chat can lead to a new opportunity."
"He got the job through networking at a conference."
"Networking events can feel awkward but they open doors."
How to use networking
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither connecting computers together, or connecting with people to build useful contacts.
Common pairings
computer networking
professional networking
networking event
social networking
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Synonyms
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Rhymes for networking
See all rhymes for networking →Frequently asked questions
What does “networking” mean?
The word “networking” means the use of connected computer systems to share data and resources. In plain terms, either connecting computers together, or connecting with people to build useful contacts.
How do you pronounce “networking”?
“Networking” is pronounced NEHT-wur-kihng (/ˈnɛtˌwɜː(r)kɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “networking” in a sentence?
Here is “networking” used in a sentence: “The office networking went down for an hour this morning.”
What part of speech is “networking”?
“Networking” is a noun.
Is “networking” a common word?
“Networking” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “networking” have?
“Networking” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the use of connected computer systems to share data and resources.
What is the difference between networking and social networking?
Networking broadly means building relationships for professional or social benefit, often in person. Social networking usually refers to doing this through online platforms and websites, though the term also overlaps with the computing sense of connecting systems to share information.
What is the difference between 'networking' and 'a network'?
A network is the structure or group of connected people or systems, while networking is the active process of building or using those connections. In short, a network is the thing, and networking is the activity.
When does 'networking' refer to computers rather than people?
Networking refers to computers when it describes connecting systems to share data and resources, as in setting up office networking. It refers to people when it describes building relationships for professional or social benefit, such as networking at a conference.
What is the difference between networking and mingling?
Both involve interacting with people socially, but networking is done with a professional or strategic purpose, such as advancing a career. Mingling is more casual and simply means moving around and chatting, without a specific goal in mind.
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