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definitions

network

[net-wurk]
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR network ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

verb (used without object)

to cultivate people who can be helpful to one professionally, especially in finding employment or moving to a higher position: His business lunches were taken up with networking.

verb (used with object)

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RELATED WORDS

web, chain, system, grid, organization, net, structure, convolution, nexus, plexus, wattle, circuitry, fabric, arrangement, crisscross, complex, maze, fiber, labyrinth, mesh

Origin of network

1550–60; 1910–15 for def 2; net1 + work
Related formsnet·work·er, nounnon·net·work, adjectivesub·net·work, nounsu·per·net·work, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

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Contemporary Examples of network

Historical Examples of network

British Dictionary definitions for network

network

noun

an interconnected group or systema network of shops
Also: net a system of intersecting lines, roads, veins, etc
another name for net 1 (def. 1), netting
radio television a group of broadcasting stations that all transmit the same programme simultaneously
electronics a system of interconnected components or circuits
computing a system of interconnected computer systems, terminals, and other equipment allowing information to be exchanged

verb

(tr) radio television to broadcast on stations throughout the countrythe Scotland–England match was networked
computing (of computers, terminals, etc) to connect or be connected
(intr) to form business contacts through informal social meetings
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for network
n.

"net-like arrangement of threads, wires, etc.," 1550s, from net (n.) + work (n.). Extended sense of "any complex, interlocking system" is from 1839 (originally in reference to transport by rivers, canals, and railways). Meaning "broadcasting system of multiple transmitters" is from 1914; sense of "interconnected group of people" is from 1947.

v.

1887, "to cover with a network," from network (n.). From 1940 as "to broadcast over a (radio) network;" 1972 in reference to computers; 1980s in reference to persons. Related: Networked; networking.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for network

network

[nĕt′wûrk′]

n.

A fabric or structure in which cords, threads, or wires cross at regular intervals.
A body structure resembling such a fabric or structure.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for network

network

[nĕt′wûrk′]

A system of computers and peripherals, such as printers, that are linked together. A network can consist of as few as two computers connected with cables or millions of computers that are spread over a large geographical area and are connected by telephone lines, fiberoptic cables, or radio waves. The Internet is an example of very large network. See more at LAN WAN.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Culture definitions for network

network

A system of computers that are joined together so that they can communicate by exchanging information and sharing resources. (See Internet and lan.)

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.