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internet Meaning & Definition

/ˈɪn.təˌnɛt/

What Does Internet Mean?

Internet is used as a proper noun meaning Alternative letter-case form of Internet (“the specific internet consisting of a global network of computers that communicate using Internet Protocol (IP) and that use Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) to identify the best paths to route those communications”). It can also mean Alternative letter-case form of Internet (“global community of individuals communicating via the Internet”). As a noun, it means Internet access or connection; internet connectivity. As a verb, it means To use the internet; specifically, to search for information by using the internet.

Quick Facts About Internet

Part of speechproper noun, noun, verb
Pronunciation/ˈɪn.təˌnɛt/
Syllables3
Synonymscyberspace
Pluralinternets
Verb formsinternets, internetting, internetted

Internet Definition (Proper Noun)

  1. Alternative letter-case form of Internet (“the specific internet consisting of a global network of computers that communicate using Internet Protocol (IP) and that use Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) to identify the best paths to route those communications”).

    Most newspapers are available on the internet now.

  2. Alternative letter-case form of Internet (“global community of individuals communicating via the Internet”).

    As soon as the trailer was released, the internet went nuts.

Internet as a Noun

  1. Internet access or connection; internet connectivity.

    Do you have internet at your place? My internet is down and I want to check my email.

  2. Any set of computer networks that communicate using the Internet Protocol; an intranet.
  3. A fictitious unit of scoring awarded for making outstanding posts on the internet.
  4. The knowledge or ability to read the room, especially to avoid being politically incorrect, chiefly to make light of someone's lack of such knowledge, implied to be gained only from active use of social media.

Internet as a Verb

  1. To use the internet; specifically, to search for information by using the internet.

    Having no idea what that means, I am internetting like mad.

Verb

  1. To entwine or link (several things) together, so as to form a network; to interconnect, to network.
  2. To connect (a computer, an electronic device, etc.) into a computer network (in particular, the Internet).

Noun

  1. The Internet, the largest global internet.
  2. An internet connection, internet connectivity, access to the internet.

    Do you have internet at your place?  My internet is down and I want to check my email.

  3. A fictitious unit of scoring, awarded for making outstanding posts.

Verb

  1. To use the Internet; to search for something using the Internet; to surf the Internet.

    Having no idea what that means, I am internetting like mad.

Synonyms of Internet

Internet synonyms and antonyms →

Internet in a Sentence

Most newspapers are available on the internet now.

As soon as the trailer was released, the internet went nuts.

Do you have internet at your place? My internet is down and I want to check my email.

Having no idea what that means, I am internetting like mad.

Do you have internet at your place?  My internet is down and I want to check my email.

Word Forms & Grammar

the internet

internet (countable and uncountable, plural internets)

internet (third-person singular simple present internets, present participle internetting, simple past and past participle internetted)

Words That Rhyme With Internet

Origin of Internet

Origin 1: The noun is a variant of Internet. The verb is derived from the noun.[1]

Origin 2: From inter- (prefix meaning ‘amid, among; between’) +‎ net (“to form a netting or network”).[1]

Internet Pronunciation

The standard pronunciation of internet is /ˈɪn.təˌnɛt/, spoken in 3 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (ɪn).

Internet: Your Questions Answered

Is internet a proper noun or a noun?

Internet is mainly used as a proper noun, but it can also be used as a noun and a verb.

What is another word for internet?

Close synonyms of internet are cyberspace. See the full list of internet synonyms and antonyms.

What is the plural of internet?

The plural of internet is internets.

What is the past tense of internet?

The past tense of internet is internetted. The present participle is internetting.

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