ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cyber

adj. · n. · v.
US //ˈsaɪbɝ// cy·ber
  1. 1 related to the internet (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    relating to computers, the internet, and the digital world.

    relating to or characteristic of the culture of computers, information technology, and virtual reality.

    Example

    The government is worried about cyber attacks on the country's power grid.

    Example

    The rapid expansion of cyber infrastructure has outpaced the development of international legal frameworks governing digital sovereignty.

    Usage

    Often used as a combining form or prefix in words like 'cybercrime' or 'cybersecurity'.
  2. 2 cybersecurity (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    the field of protecting computers and networks from digital attacks.

    a shorthand for cybersecurity or the digital domain as a theatre of operations.

    Example

    She decided to pursue a career in cyber after finishing her computer science degree.

    Example

    Experts in cyber warn that the vulnerability lies not in the software itself, but in the human element of the network.

    Teacher's tip

    In professional contexts, 'cyber' is frequently used as a standalone noun to mean the entire field of digital security.
    • cybersecurity
    • infosec
  3. 3 to have cybersex (v.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal Vulgar

    to have sexual conversations or interactions online.

    to engage in virtual sexual activity or cybersex via digital communication.

    Example

    The chat room was full of people looking to cyber with strangers.

    Example

    Early internet culture was often defined by anonymous users attempting to cyber in unmoderated IRC channels.

    Usage

    Intransitive verb; does not take a direct object.

Origin

Originally from cybernetics, before becoming a stand-alone word.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026