What does "network" mean?
Any interconnected group or system.
Network
/ˈnɛt.wɝk/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Any interconnected group or system.
- Grammar: network is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: mesh, net, web, acquaintances.
- Useful contrasts: detach, disconnect, disconnected.
- Usage evidence: The profane language used on network television makes many parents with young children not want to subscribe to cable.
How to use "network"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "network" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "network" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "network" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "network" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "network" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "mesh" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "network", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Any interconnected group or system.
"A network of roads crisscrossed the country."
- 2 an open fabric of string or rope or wire woven together at regular intervals wordnet
- 3 Any interconnected group or system.; A set of people with sociocultural connections to one another; especially, such a set consisting of occupational or business connections.
"To get a job in today's economy, it is important to have a strong network."
- 4 (broadcasting) a communication system consisting of a group of broadcasting stations that all transmit the same programs wordnet
- 5 Any interconnected group or system.; A group of affiliated television stations that broadcast common programs from a parent company.
"2008, Lou Schuler, "Foreward", in Nate Green, Built for Show, page xi TV back then was five channels (three networks, PBS, and an independent station that ran I Love Lucy reruns), […]"
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 (electronics) a system of interconnected electronic components or circuits wordnet
- 7 Any interconnected group or system.; A computer network: multiple computers and other devices connected together to share information. Internet
"The copy machine is connected to the network so it can now serve as a printer."
- 8 a system of intersecting lines or channels wordnet
- 9 A fabric or structure of fibrous elements attached to each other at regular intervals; the act or process of making such an object.
"He wore a mantle of network."
- 10 an interconnected system of things or people wordnet
Verb
- 1 To interact socially for the purpose of getting connections or personal advancement. intransitive
"Many people find it worthwhile to network for jobs and information."
- 2 communicate with and within a group wordnet
- 3 To connect two or more computers or other computerized devices. transitive
"If we network his machine to the server, he will be able to see all the files."
- 4 To interconnect a group or system. transitive
- 5 To broadcast across an entire network of stations and affiliates at the same time. transitive
Example
"The profane language used on network television makes many parents with young children not want to subscribe to cable."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "network"?
Common synonyms include: mesh, net, web, acquaintances, arabesque, arrangement.
How do you use "network" in a sentence?
The profane language used on network television makes many parents with young children not want to subscribe to cable.
How do you pronounce "network"?
Pronounced /ˈnɛt.wɝk/.
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *neHd- Proto-Indo-European *-yós Proto-Germanic *natją Proto-West Germanic *nati Old English nett Middle English net English net Proto-Indo-European *werǵ- Proto-Indo-European *-om Proto-Indo-European *wérǵom Proto-Germanic *werką Proto-West Germanic *werk Old English weorc Middle English werk English work English network From net + work; the nonliteral sense and its subsenses are extended from the literal sense; they are now the dominant senses. Cognate with German Netzwerk.