What does "browsing" mean?

1. (using the internet) the act of looking at different websites or information on the internet. 2. (looking at goods in a shop) looking at things in a shop without being sure if you want to buy anything. 3. (animals eating) the act of animals eating leaves, twigs, or other high-growing plants.

How do you use "browsing"?

Often contrasted with 'grazing', which refers to eating grass on the ground.

browsing

US //ˈbɹaʊzɪŋ// UK //bɹˈaʊzɪŋ// brows·ing

1 using the internet (n.)
B1 Intermediate Computing

the act of looking at different websites or information on the internet.

the activity of navigating through hypertext or online databases using a web browser.

Example

I spent the whole evening browsing for new recipes on the internet.

Example

Secure browsing habits are essential for protecting personal data when accessing public Wi-Fi networks in airports or cafes.
- surfing
- searching
2 looking at goods in a shop (n.)
B1 Intermediate

looking at things in a shop without being sure if you want to buy anything.

the act of inspecting retail merchandise in a leisurely manner without a specific purchase goal.

Example

We enjoyed a few hours of browsing in the local bookstores.

Example

The boutique's layout is designed to encourage casual browsing, with wide aisles and strategically placed displays that invite customers to linger.
- window shopping
- perusing

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3 animals eating (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

the act of animals eating leaves, twigs, or other high-growing plants.

the consumption of high-growing vegetation, such as leaves and shoots, by herbivores.

Example

The deer were busy browsing on the low branches of the trees.

Example

The overpopulation of elk led to excessive browsing, which significantly hindered the regeneration of aspen groves within the national park.

Usage

Often contrasted with 'grazing', which refers to eating grass on the ground.
- grazing
- feeding