internet

Or In·ter·net

[in-ter-net]

noun

1. Usually the internet (except when used before a noun) a vast computer network linking smaller computer networks worldwide: includes commercial, educational, governmental, and other networks, all of which use the same set of communications protocols.

   They advertised the sale in the local paper and on the internet.

   My insurance company offers incentives to refill prescriptions over the internet.

   Parents are advised to monitor their kids’ internet access and block websites with adult content.

internet

/ ˈɪntəˌnɛt /

noun

1. Also known as: the Net. (sometimes with a capital) the single worldwide computer network that interconnects other computer networks, on which end-user services, such as World Wide Web sites or data archives, are located, enabling data and other information to be exchanged

Internet

1. A system connecting computers around the world using TCP/IP, which stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, a set of standards for transmitting and receiving digital data. The Internet consists primarily of the collection of billions of interconnected webpages that are transferred using HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), and are collectively known as the World Wide Web. The Internet also uses FTP (File Transfer Protocol) to transfer files, and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) to transfer e-mail.

Internet

1. The global communication network that allows almost all computers worldwide to connect and exchange information. Some of the early impetus for such a network came from the U.S. government network Arpanet, starting in the 1960s.

Spelling Note

The lowercase form internet is now widely favored over the capitalized spelling Internet. Originally, the word was capitalized as a proper noun to distinguish the network that we now know (having developed from the large and specific U.S. Department of Defense ARPANET network) from smaller, more generic linked networks. Two major trends have eroded the former use of the capitalized form: the growing perception of the internet as a generic entity, and the general trend toward lowercase spelling and other shortcuts that minimize keystrokes in digital communication. Accordingly, the lowercase form internet was first embraced in digital media and informal writing. It was subsequently adopted by technology-related publications. Major newspapers and style guides have also now adopted the lowercase form internet as standard. The capitalized spelling may still be found in older published material or in some linguistically conservative publications. However, while either form is acceptable in writing (as long as it is used consistently), the lowercase spelling internet is the form best adapted to its evolving use.

Some scholars have argued that the access to massive amounts of information, together with the widespread ability to communicate, has altered the way that human beings perceive reality.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Internet¹

First recorded in 1970–75; shortening of internetwork ( def. )

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. win the internet, to be or post an article, comment, etc., on the internet that is particularly good or that earns the approval of others (often used sarcastically).

   That perceptive tweet of his won the internet last night.

   Very funny, intelligent tirade—you win the internet!

2. break the internet,

   1. Slang. (of a story, image, etc.) to go viral online and suddenly dominate public interest and discourse.

      Creative marketing for her new album broke the internet.

   2. to cause internet technology or culture to change for the worse or cease to function.

      Could government surveillance and censorship break the internet forever?

Example Sentences

These restrictions on social media content come a week after internet and telecommunications services were cut off across the country for two days.

From BBC

Both apps also offer a set of business tools and, just like WhatsApp, Arattai claims that it is built to operate smoothly on low-end phones and even on slow internet speeds.

From BBC

Yet, with how much time these commenters seem to have to seek out unemployment announcements, one has to surmise that internet trolls aren’t exactly the most gainfully employed members of society themselves.

From Salon

However, AI still lagged a long way behind more established methods - such as general internet searches and asking family and friends.

From BBC

This meant she decided to only give her middle son, 11, a brick phone without internet access.

From BBC