Facebook

[ feys-book ]

Trademark.

1. a brand name for a social media service and website, launched in 2004.

verb (used with object)

1. to communicate with (a person) or search for information about (a person) by using Facebook:

   My old girlfriend just facebooked me.

   His future employer Facebooked him and decided to withdraw the job offer.

2. to post on Facebook:

   I facebooked some photos of my cat.

   You should Facebook the event so more people will show up.

verb (used without object)

1. to use Facebook:

   Does your mom Facebook?

Facebook

/ ˈfeɪsˌbʊk /

noun

1. a popular social networking website

verb

1. tr; sometimes not capital to search for (a person's profile) on the Facebook website

Spelling Note

The official trademarked name of the social media platform and website is now styled in all capital letters “FACEBOOK,” though prior to 2020 the trademarked style was “facebook,” in all lowercase letters. Formal writing—as exemplified by most news and book publishers—treats such names as regular proper nouns, in this case “Facebook,” using an initial capital letter, but not all caps. However, when a trade name begins with a lowercase letter followed by an uppercase one, such as eBay or iPad, this spelling is retained, even at the beginning of a sentence.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Facebook¹

First recorded in 2000–05; from facebook, a college student directory with personal photos and basic information

Example Sentences

But consider how citizens here in the States are now being arrested for posting threatening messages aimed at police on Facebook.

From The Daily Beast

And yet we keep devouring the ever-increasing array of Jewish dating apps and sites and Facebook groups--why?

From The Daily Beast

In the wee hours of Christmas morning, a flight deal was shared in an exclusive Facebook group for urban travelers.

From The Daily Beast

He posted on Facebook about wanting to do something “right” and meaningful.

From The Daily Beast

Aside from a blanket ban, social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit are nearly impossible to control.

From The Daily Beast

Civilisation waits for himall-enfolding, all-instructing civilisation, and he stands face to facebook in handwith his last chance.

From Project Gutenberg