cyberspace

American  

[sahy-ber-speys] / ˈsaɪ bərˌspeɪs /

noun

1. the realm of electronic communication.

2. virtual reality.

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cyberspace British  

/ ˈsaɪbəˌspeɪs /

noun

1. all of the data stored in a large computer or network represented as a three-dimensional model through which a virtual-reality user can move

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cyberspace Scientific  

/ sī′bər-spās′ /

1. The electronic medium of computer networks, in which online communication takes place.

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cyberspace Cultural  

1. The space in which computer transactions occur, particularly transactions between different computers. We say that images and text on the Internet exist in cyberspace, for example. The term is also often used in conjunction with virtual reality, designating the imaginary place where virtual objects exist. For example, if a computer produces a picture of a building that allows the architect to “walk” through and see what a design would look like, the building is said to exist in cyberspace.

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Etymology

Origin of cyberspace

First recorded in 1980–85; cyber(netics) ( def. ) + space ; coined by American-Canadian sci-fi author William Gibson (born 1948)

Explanation

Cyberspace is where online communication happens. If you've spent time chatting with friends on the Internet, you've been in cyberspace. The official definition of cyberspace is fairly technical: "the notional environment in which communication over computer networks occurs." Since it was coined in 1982 by science fiction writer William Gibson, it's become more popular to use cyberspace to mean "online" or "on the Internet," especially when social interactions happen there. Cyberspace is the almost metaphorical place where two people, separately typing on their keyboards, meet and communicate.

Example Sentences

After passing the launch exam, chatbots face pop quizzes from local branches of the Cyberspace Administration of China, according to Sheehan, the Carnegie Endowment AI expert.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

The merger with Surfshark has positioned Cyberspace BV as one of the largest global VPN providers.

From Salon • Dec. 12, 2025

The 2023 ban by China’s Cyberspace Administration, citing security risks, led to Micron’s reduced presence in the Chinese market.

From Barron's • Oct. 17, 2025

Hossein Dalirian, a spokesman for Iran's National Centre of Cyberspace, said there was "no air attack from outside borders".

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2024

They are groundbreaking pioneers, Cyberspace Rangers, whether they like it or not.

From The Hacker Crackdown, law and disorder on the electronic frontier by Sterling, Bruce

Related Words

• computer network
• information technology
• web