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dark web

American  
[dahrk web] / ˈdɑrk ˈwɛb /
Or Dark Web

noun

  1. the portion of the internet that is intentionally hidden from search engines, uses masked IP addresses, and is accessible only with a special web browser: part of the deep web.


Etymology

Origin of dark web

First recorded in 2000–05


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

In its message on the dark web, the group said it did not hack the FBI system for money.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

Officials allege scammers purchased identifying information for people who live outside California on the dark web and enrolled them in Covered California.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 17, 2026

NordVPN includes additional tools such as Threat Protection, dark web monitoring and a password manager called NordPass.

From Salon ● Mar. 27, 2026

“I know my information is on the dark web, and I have taken steps to be cautious.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 26, 2026

Of course, in some corners of the dark web, she was better known as UKFlamethrower1999 or DundeeDeathMonger707, but mostly she was just Char, as the girls in the boarding house called her.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

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