search engine

American  

[surch en-juhn] / ˈsɜrtʃ ˌɛn dʒən /

noun

Digital Technology.

1. a computer program that searches documents, especially on the World Wide Web, for a specified word or words and provides a list of documents in which they are found.

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search engine British  

noun

1. computing a service provided on the internet enabling users to search for items of interest

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search engine Cultural  

1. Web sites or software that search the Internet for documents that contain a key word, phrase, or subject that is specified by the user to the search engine. Each engine has its own method of searching for information.

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Etymology

Origin of search engine

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Through methods like search engine optimization and other nifty page-ranking subterfuge, this nonverified content climbs to the top of search results and people’s consciousness.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

Its unlimited device support and bundled extras, including antivirus, data breach alerts and a private search engine, make it a cost-effective all-in-one solution.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

That left Google with its lucrative deal as Apple’s default search engine and removed the risk of having to sell its Chrome browser.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

The market for traditional search engine optimization was $20 billion to $25 billion, but the potential for AI-driven commerce is much larger, said Amay Aggarwal, a co-founder of Anglera.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

So I say, "I've got a search engine open. Pick a topic."

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements