social media

American  

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)

1. websites and other online means of communication that are used by large groups of people to share information and to develop social and professional contacts.

   Many businesses are utilizing social media to generate sales.

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Etymology

Origin of social media

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

Applicants for those visas are required to open their social media accounts for the last five years for inspection by visa officers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

The arrests were announced in a blizzard of social media posts and on Syrian TV.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

Today, consumers are bombarded with a constant stream of headlines, social media posts and algorithmically curated content designed to maximize engagement.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

The exam board has also warned students that many purported exam paper leaks being shared on social media are fake, designed to exploit the exam stress students and their families are under.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

At that moment, I’m kind of glad I don’t really do social media.

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• social platform