proper noun
Common
YouTube
YOOT-shoob
YouTube (proper noun) means a major video-sharing website where users upload, watch, and comment on videos. Example: “The tutorial has over a million views on YouTube.”
proper noun
1
A major video-sharing website where users upload, watch, and comment on videos.
"Anthony just subscribed to someone on YouTube a day ago."
"The tutorial has over a million views on YouTube."
verb
1
Informally, to upload a video to YouTube, or to search for and watch something there.
"If you don't know me, YouTube me, because soon the whole world is going to know me."
— Sammy Guevara, Impact Wrestling (2017)
"Inquiry elicited that he was a pop singer. I YouTubed him, revealing another ghastly microphone-gripping, anguished nasal wailer."
— Bob Jones, Appetite for quirky fulfilled (2015)
"I'll just YouTube it to see how the trick is done."
How to use YouTube
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe video website YouTube, or (informally) the act of using it.
When to use it
Using "YouTube" as a verb ("I'll YouTube it") is casual speech, not formal writing.
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Word forms
- Plural
- YouTubes
- Third person singular
- YouTubes
- Past tense
- YouTubed
Fill the gap
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The tutorial has over a million views on _____.
Etymology
A brand name combining "you" with "tube," an old informal word for television, suggesting a platform where ordinary people broadcast their own content.
Synonyms
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video-sharing platform
video site
Rhymes for YouTube
See all rhymes for YouTube →Frequently asked questions
What does “YouTube” mean?
The word “YouTube” means a major video-sharing website where users upload, watch, and comment on videos. In plain terms, the video website YouTube, or (informally) the act of using it.
How do you pronounce “YouTube”?
“YouTube” is pronounced YOOT-shoob (/ˈjutub/ in IPA).
How do you use “YouTube” in a sentence?
Here is “YouTube” used in a sentence: “The tutorial has over a million views on YouTube.”
What part of speech is “YouTube”?
Depending on how it is used, “YouTube” can be a proper noun and a verb.
Is “YouTube” a common word?
“YouTube” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “YouTube” have?
“YouTube” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a major video-sharing website where users upload, watch, and comment on videos.
What is YouTube used for?
YouTube is used to upload, watch, share, and comment on videos of almost every kind — music, tutorials, news, gaming, vlogs, film clips, and live streams. Viewers watch free with ads, creators build channels and earn money, and businesses use it to reach and engage audiences worldwide.
Who owns YouTube?
YouTube is owned by Google, which acquired the site in 2006, soon after it launched in 2005. Google is itself part of the parent company Alphabet. This ownership links YouTube closely to Google's search, advertising, and account systems, so a single Google login works across both.
Is YouTube free to use?
Yes. Watching and uploading on YouTube is free, funded largely by advertising. An optional paid tier, YouTube Premium, removes ads and adds background play and offline downloads, while YouTube Music and TV are separate paid services. Most people use the free, ad-supported version.
What is the difference between YouTube and Netflix?
YouTube hosts mostly user-generated video that anyone can upload for free, supported by ads. Netflix is a subscription service offering professionally produced films and shows that it licenses or makes itself. In short, YouTube is an open platform for everyone, while Netflix is a curated, paid library.
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