Skip to main content
network

network

647 2.9
A group of connected people or businesses that share information
  • noun
  • /ˈnɛtˌwɜrk/
translation icon : red
  • Gradually they start creating networks in these small towns.
  • a social network
  • a peer network
  • a learning network

Gradually they start creating networks in these small towns.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • The organization formed a strong support network to help local businesses thrive.

  • The network's hopes for a late-night hit are riding on the shoulders of the host, a popular Chicago radio announcer.

  • The network is taking this very seriously.

  • The man has used social networks for their benefit.

  • And this is where a network can succeed.

  • So we created this The End Hunger Network, and that was wonderful.

  • Oh, I got a vast network of meaningful relationships, for sure, but no time for those now.

  • Matleo: Try to establish what her support network is and why it works for her.

    Academic text (2011)
  • They've built these giant networks that Apple really has to cater to.

  • Moreover, the brothers were able to create new friendships and networks within the Karen diaspora community.

    Academic text (2015)

Synonyms

system
vsnetwork
2.7

A group of connected parts that work together as a whole, like a computer or machine

includes human or organizational connections as well as mechanical ones
web
vsnetwork
89 4.2

A complicated network that can trap or confuse people

is more neutral and literal, meaning an actual group of interconnected people or things
réseau
vsnetwork
9.9

A group of people or organizations who share information and help each other

is broader, covering any interconnected people or things beyond mutual support

Compounds

computer network
  • Specialized
19 2.8

A group of computers and devices that are connected to share files and printers

old boy network
  • Literature
3 7.9

Men from the same schools who use connections to help each other get jobs and often keep others out

neural network
  • Specialized
2 4.8

A computer system made of connected parts that learns from data

local area network
  • Specialized
1 3.5

A network that connects computers and devices in one building like an office

electronic network
  • Specialized
1 3.9

An electrical system of connected parts that sends or changes signals between devices

espionage network
  • Specialized
1 6.4

A secret group of people who gather information for a government

network architecture
  • Specialized
1 3.9

The design and structure of a computer or communication network showing how parts connect and work together

neural network
  • Specialized
1 4.7

A group of connected nerve cells that work together to control body functions

wide area network
  • Specialized
1 3.3

A system that links groups of computers in different cities or countries

bus network
  • Specialized
3.7

A set of computers and other machines connected to one main cable to share data

9.3

A joking name for CNN that says it supports the Clintons or the Democratic Party

8.6

A mocking name for a news channel people use to say it supports the political left

espionage network
  • Specialized
6.5

A hidden system of computers and accounts used to steal information

A part of the US government that works to stop money laundering and other crimes with money

network army
  • Literature
6.7

A large group of people who work together online to support a cause or project

network architecture
  • Specialized
4.3

The arrangement of layers and connections in a computer model that learns from data

network bridge
  • Specialized
5.0

A device that connects parts of a computer network so they work as one

The schedule of TV or radio shows many stations broadcast

network topology
  • Specialized
6.0

How devices like computers and cables are arranged and connected in a communication system

network topology
  • Specialized
5.3

How layers and simple units connect in a computer model that learns

Purkinje network
  • Specialized
7.1

A network of special heart fibers that carry electrical signals to make the heart's lower chambers contract

8.1

A computer method that finds a clear boundary to separate different groups of data

T-network
  • Specialized
7.5

An electronic circuit with two parts in line and one across them forming a T shape

4.2

A system that sends data over short distances without wires, like in an office

How Connected

web
  • Texting
659 1.0
system
2.7
network
647 2.9
group
1.0
cluster
210 3.1
collection
759 1.4

Surface Forms

network singular
networks plural

Morphology

network = net + work (transparent) = net + work

The social/organizational sense is a direct metaphorical extension of a mesh: interconnected people or things forming a system.

Etymology

Network is built from net ('web of connections') and work ('something made'), so imagine people as points joined by lines like a net. That's why network means a group or system of interconnected people or things.