# cyber

/ˈsaɪbɝ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cyber
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. related to the internet

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

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

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the field of protecting computers and networks from digital attacks.

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

- She decided to pursue a career in cyber after finishing her computer science degree.
- Experts in cyber warn that the vulnerability lies not in the software itself, but in the human element of the network.

Teaching tip: In professional contexts, 'cyber' is frequently used as a standalone noun to mean the entire field of digital security.

### 3. to have cybersex

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal · Vulgar

to have sexual conversations or interactions online.

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

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

## Examples

- The company improved its cyber security last month.
- Governments are investing more in cyber defense to protect their digital infrastructure from foreign attacks.
- The rapid expansion of the internet has created a complex cyber landscape where traditional laws often struggle to address digital crimes and virtual property rights.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.