Trivia Time

Which TV show is credited with being the first to use google as a verb?

Test Your Knowledge

Google

American  

[goo-guhl] / ˈgu gəl /

Trademark.

1. the brand name for a leading internet search engine, founded in 1998.

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verb (used with object)

Googled, Googling

1. (often lowercase) to search the internet for information about (a person, topic, etc.).

   We googled the new applicant to check her background.

verb (used without object)

Googled, Googling

1. (often lowercase) to use a search engine such as Google to find information, a website address, etc., on the internet.

Google British  

/ ˈɡuːɡəl /

noun

1. a popular search engine on the internet

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verb

1. to search for (something on the internet) using a search engine

2. to check (the credentials of someone) by searching for websites containing his or her name

Etymology

Origin of Google

First recorded in 1998; after mathematical term googol

Explanation

To google is to use an online search engine to find some piece of information. You might google your favorite author to find out what other books she's written. Searching the Internet for answers to questions, details about people, map directions, and other information is a common activity for most of us, and since the 1990s, most of us have come to use the verb google to describe it. The verb comes from the Google search engine, first active in 1997, although until about 2000 it was mostly used in the phrase "Do a google on."

Example Sentences

On OpenRouter, a platform that routes requests across different AI models, Google, Anthropic and OpenAI's combined share of usage dropped from 55 percent to 33 percent between January and June.

From Barron's • Jul. 9, 2026

In the first quarter, Apple accounted for around 52% of new health-tracking smartwatch, wristband and ring units shipped, while Google comprised 11.3% and Oura represented 9.8%, according to data from research firm IDC.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 8, 2026

In his first major public appearance since taking over the BBC six weeks ago, former Google executive Matt Brittin told MPs that the licence fee is "yesterday's model".

From BBC • Jul. 8, 2026

The company has chosen to outsource a portion of its AI capabilities through a partnership with Google Gemini.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 7, 2026

“Do you know about Google Earth? Where it’s like you’re looking down from above? Just look for the fences that were around that house!”

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix