# Doi

/ˈdɔɪ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/doi
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. digital object identifier

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Academic

Stands for Digital Object Identifier. It is a permanent link for an online document that stays the same even if the website address changes.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Digital Object Identifier. A unique alphanumeric string assigned by a registration agency to identify content and provide a persistent link to its location on the internet.

- You should include the DOI at the end of your citation so the teacher can find the article easily.
- The publisher assigned a unique DOI to the manuscript upon acceptance, ensuring that the research remained discoverable even if the journal's hosting platform migrated.

Usage: Usually written in lowercase as 'doi:' followed by the string, or as a full URL.

Teaching tip: Essential for students learning academic writing and APA/MLA citation styles; explain that unlike a URL, a DOI never changes.

## Examples

- Please include the DOI at the end of your citation.
- The librarian explained that using a DOI is more reliable than a standard URL because the link never breaks.
- Scholarly databases rely on the DOI system to cross-reference millions of articles, ensuring that researchers can access the primary source regardless of changes to the publisher's web architecture.

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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.