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• cyber
  cyber

  noun

  (used alone as a substitute for many compound words that begin with the combining form cyber-, as cyberattack, cybersecurity, cyberterrorism, orcyberwarfare ): Ethical hackers are being recruited for careers in cyber.
• cyber-
  cyber-

  a combining form meaning “computer,” “computer network,” or “virtual reality,” used in the formation of compound words (cybertalk; cyberart; cyberspace ) and by extension meaning “expressing visions of the future” (cyberfashion ).
• cyber–
  cyber–

  A prefix that means “computer” or “computer network,” as in cyberspace, the electronic medium in which online communication takes place.

cyber

¹ American  

[sahy-ber] / ˈsaɪ bər /

noun

1. (used alone as a substitute for many compound words that begin with the combining form cyber-, as cyberattack, cybersecurity, cyberterrorism, orcyberwarfare ): Ethical hackers are being recruited for careers in cyber.

   GPS may be vulnerable to jamming and cyber.

   Ethical hackers are being recruited for careers in cyber.

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adjective

1. of or relating to computers, typically to one of the technology domains named with the combining form cyber-, as cyberterrorism, cyberwarfare, or cyberattack: several cyber breaches; cyber plots.

   a cyber threat;

   several cyber breaches;

   cyber operations;

   cyber plots.

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in cybersex.

   People playing the MMO were cybering in voice chat, sometimes without even creating a separate channel to keep it private.

cyber- ² American  

Digital Technology.

1. a combining form meaning “computer,” “computer network,” or “virtual reality,” used in the formation of compound words (cybertalk; cyberart; cyberspace ) and by extension meaning “expressing visions of the future” (cyberfashion ).

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cyber- British  

combining form

1. indicating computers

   cyberphobia

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cyber– Scientific  

1. A prefix that means “computer” or “computer network,” as in cyberspace, the electronic medium in which online communication takes place.

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Usage

What does cyber- mean? Cyber- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “computer” or "computer network." In many instances, it is used to refer generally to the internet. It is often used in technical terms, especially in computer science. Cyber- comes from a shortening of the term cybernetics, meaning “the study of communication and control in humans and mechanical systems.” Cybernetics ultimately comes from Greek kybernḗtēs, meaning "helmsman" or "steersman.” Learn more about cybernetics (and how it is related to the word govern) at our entry for the term.

Etymology

Origin of cyber¹

First recorded in 1990–95; from cyber- ( def. )

Origin of cyber-²

Extracted from cybernetics

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cyber cyber- cyber–

The nuclear competition is still there, but add artificial intelligence, cyber, drones and bioweapons to nuclear weapons and missiles and we are in a qualitatively different and more difficult place.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026

It described broad areas of coverage, such as cyber and media liability and event cancellation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 28, 2026

One former cyber agent said FBI staff were furious about the "sloppy and lazy security failures" that allegedly enabled the breach.

From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2026

"Any initiative that strengthens Ukraine's already highly capable, but heavily burdened, cyber defence efforts is a welcome development and could provide a valuable force multiplier," he said.

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026

This book was collaboratively written between August 2003 and October 2003, through Goajourno, a cyber network of journalists and former journalists who have worked in Goa.

From Behind the News: Voices from Goa's Press by Various

Then Tom Burt, the senior Microsoft executive who oversees the company’s effort to counter major cyberattacks, contacted Anne Neuberger, the White House’s deputy national security adviser for cyber- and emerging technologies.

From New York Times ● Feb. 28, 2022

In a similar vein, journalists are advised to use the prefix cyber- and the terms cyberspace and cyber sparingly, and instead substitute words like internet or digital.

From Slate ● May 28, 2020

Russia and the United States have a lot to talk about, on such topics as arms control, cyber- intrusions, Ukraine, Syria and beyond.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 1, 2018

Surging issues such as cyber- and health security — including Ebola — brought additional staff.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 4, 2015

“Patrick’s mom made him erase his account, and then she made him watch a documentary with her about cyber- bullying,” Em said, her breath billowing white in the cold air and then disappearing.

From "Goodbye Stranger" by Rebecca Stead

MELBER: And another area that’s evolving in that same way is cyber– both domestic crime and also– international threats– that we’re all tryin’ to struggle to understand. 

From MSNBC ● Feb. 12, 2015

Related Words

• computerized