social media

American  

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)

1. websites and other online means of communication that are used by large groups of people to share information and to develop social and professional contacts.

   Many businesses are utilizing social media to generate sales.

---

Etymology

Origin of social media

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

The site had been packed with students and visitors after the event - commemorating the 19th Century fortress's founding - was advertised on social media, local media report, citing officials.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Allegations of inappropriate behavior by Swalwell had circulated for weeks on social media and in political circles.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Fox responded on social media in a post that leaned into the absurdity of the situation rather than alarm.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

Emotional spending can be volatile, faddish, and heavily driven by social media hype.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

She’s been checking it for people she knows, but hasn’t come across any—least of all her uncle, to whom social media means sitting in a crowded room reading a newspaper.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Related Words

• social platform