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Synonyms

social network

American  
[soh-shuhl net-wurk] / ˈsoʊ ʃəl ˈnɛtˌwɜrk /

noun

social networks plural
  1. a network of friends, colleagues, and other personal contacts.

    Strong social networks can encourage healthy behaviors.

  2. Digital Technology.

    1. an online community of people with a common interest who use a website or other technologies to communicate with each other and share information, resources, etc..

      a business-oriented social network.

    2. a website or online service that facilitates this communication.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Etymology

Origin of social network

First recorded in 1840–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

While some use the site as a social network, I like to think of it as a personal diary.

From Salon Jul. 15, 2026

Even dating services that have grown users such as West Hollywood-based Grindr, an app for the LGBTQ+ community, and Facebook Dating, which is included in the main social network, are also leveraging AI more.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 28, 2026

Bonobos distributed their grooming time more evenly among group members, creating a more egalitarian social network.

From Science Daily May 31, 2026

The tech firm behind social network Snapchat cut 1,000 jobs last month, saying AI is boosting efficiency as it pushes towards profitability.

From Barron's May 27, 2026

He’s probably never been on a social network in his life.

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson

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