noun

social media

SOH-shuhl MEE-dee-uh

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Social media (noun) means Websites and apps on which people create profiles and share posts, photos, video and messages with a network of other users; the platforms collectively, and the activity of using them. Example: “She found the job through social media.”

noun

Websites and apps on which people create profiles and share posts, photos, video and messages with a network of other users; the platforms collectively, and the activity of using them.

"She found the job through social media."

"The company spends almost nothing on advertising and everything on social media."

How to use social media

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishApps like Instagram, TikTok and X where people post and follow each other.

When to use it

Normally treated as a singular mass noun in everyday use ("social media is"), though careful writers sometimes keep the plural ("social media are"). Casually shortened to socials.

Memory tip

There is no article: say "I saw it on social media", not "on the social media".

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

social networking mass media traditional media

Common pairings

on social media social media manager social media presence quit social media

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “social media” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She found the job through _____.

Etymology

A compound of social and media, media being the plural of medium in the sense of a channel of communication.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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social networks socials

Related words

socials

Rhymes for social media

Odia aria India Syria ataxia Latvia acacia LGBTQIA ectasia hryvnia begonia anaemia

See all rhymes for social media →

Frequently asked questions

Is social media singular or plural?

Both are found. Everyday usage overwhelmingly treats it as singular ("social media is addictive") because it functions as a mass noun. The plural verb is defensible in formal writing but now sounds old-fashioned.

What is the difference between social media and social networking?

Social media is the broader term for the platforms and the content shared on them. Social networking is one activity you do on them: building and maintaining connections with other people.

What is the meaning of social media?

"social media" (noun) means websites and apps on which people create profiles and share posts, photos, video and messages with a network of other users; the platforms collectively, and the activity of using them.

What is another word for social media?

Other words for "social media" include social networks, socials.

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