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networking

[ net-wur-king ]

/ ˈnɛtˌwɜr kɪŋ /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR networking ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest: Working mothers in the community use networking to help themselves manage successfully.

the design, establishment, or utilization of a computer network.

adjective

of or relating to a network or networking: networking software, a networking system.

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anchorite

a granular metamorphic rock.

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a hobble or fetter for a horse or other animal.

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Origin of networking

First recorded in 1935–40; network + -ing¹

Words nearby networking

network, network analysis, network computer, network marketing, networker, networking, netzahualcóyotl, neubrandenburg, neuchâtel, neufchâtel, neufeld capsular swelling

Definition for networking (2 of 2)

network

[ net-wurk ]

/ ˈnɛtˌwɜrk /

noun

any netlike combination of filaments, lines, veins, passages, or the like: a network of arteries; a network of sewers under the city.

Radio and Television.

a group of transmitting stations linked by wire or microwave relay so that the same program can be broadcast or telecast by all.
a company or organization that provides programs to be broadcast over these stations: She was hired by the network as program coordinator.

Telecommunications, Computers. a system containing any combination of computers, computer terminals, printers, audio or visual display devices, or telephones interconnected by telecommunication equipment or cables: used to transmit or receive information.

an association of individuals having a common interest, formed to provide mutual assistance, helpful information, or the like: a network of recent college graduates.

a system of interrelated buildings, offices, stations, etc., especially over a large area or throughout a country, territory, region, etc.: a network of supply depots.

Electricity. an arrangement of conducting elements, as resistors, capacitors, or inductors, connected by conducting wire.

a netting or net.

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)

to place (as a program from a local radio or television station) in or on a network: The station will try to network the local cooking show.

to connect to a network.

to distribute widely: We charge a small fee for networking your résumé.

to cover with or as if with a network: to network a bay with buoy markers.

to organize into a network: to network the state's independent stations.

to broadcast (a program) over a radio or television network.

Origin of network

1550–60; 1910–15 for def 2; net¹ + work

historical usage of network

Network is an obvious compound of the nouns net and work. Originally, in the 16th century, it referred to anything made of threads or wires or suchlike in the pattern of intersecting lines or meshes resembling a net.
Through different eras, network developed senses to reflect the modes of human connection prevalent at the time. Network in the sense “natural features forming a chain, as islands, or a man-made system of interconnecting railroads, canals, telegraphs, or telephones” dates from the 19th century. The sense “a system to broadcast radio and television signals by many transmitters over a very wide area” dates from before World War I. The meaning “system of interconnected computers” dates from the 1960s, while the sense of a “group of individuals having a common interest” is earlier, from the 1940s.

OTHER WORDS FROM network

net·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. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for networking

I recognize a few Ukrainian professionals from a networking group and they hug me warmly.
Slouching Towards Maidan: An American Hair-Trader Reflects On Ukraine’s Protests|Vijai Maheshwari|December 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Her entire career has been based less on solid accomplishment than on her networking skills.
Susan Rice Didn’t Deserve State Post, Let Alone Her U.N. Role|Jacob Heilbrunn|December 14, 2012|DAILY BEAST
I met Shon at a networking mixer; he was getting his MBA at Wharton.
Busting a Cyberstalker: How Carla Franklin Fought Back—and Triumphed|Abigail Pesta|October 12, 2012|DAILY BEAST
On Friday this week Brooks's networking with politicians will be the main theme—and more than anyone Cameron will be in the dock.
The Woman Who Could Bring Down Cameron|Peter Jukes|May 9, 2012|DAILY BEAST

“This meeting was great for networking and giving people a stage,” said one participant, a female Cairo journalist.
Egypt’s Game Changers: Samira Ibrahim and the Women Who Speak Up About Sexual Violence|Nina Burleigh|January 22, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The inevitable outcome is an exponential explosion in computing and networking power.
After the Rain|Sam Vaknin
Networking, at many levels and in many ways, is related to the characteristics of our pragmatic framework.
The Civilization of Illiteracy|Mihai Nadin
As rudimentary as it still is, networking excludes everything that is not fast- paced and to the point.
The Civilization of Illiteracy|Mihai Nadin
Enroll them in a networking club for the jobless, one of the really good ones.
Makers|Cory Doctorow
Networking must also be supported by communications technologies.
Shock and Awe|Harlan K. Ullman

British Dictionary definitions for networking (1 of 2)

networking

/ (ˈnɛtˌwɜːkɪŋ) /