ISP

American  

abbreviation

1. internet service provider: a company that offers access to the internet and to email, usually for a monthly fee.

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ISP British  

abbreviation

1. internet service provider, a business providing its customers with connection to the internet and other related services

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Etymology

Origin of ISP

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

In a unanimous 9-0 ruling, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Cox and said an ISP was liable "only if it intended that the provided service be used for infringement."

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Cox Communications, a major broadband ISP, had asked the top court to throw out a jury verdict awarding $1 billion in damages to Sony Music Entertainment and other record labels.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

As a reminder, ISP stands for "individual support plans".

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

Trust in Your VPN Provider: When you use a VPN, you’re essentially shifting trust from your ISP to your VPN provider.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026

Post-Internet, BBSs are likely to be local newsgroups on an ISP; efficiency has increased but a certain flavor has been lost.

From The Jargon File, Version 4.2.2, 20 Aug 2000 by Steele, Guy L.