# full-text search

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/full-text-search
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a way of searching for information where the computer looks at every single word in a document, not just the title or keywords.

For teachers: a technique for searching a computer-stored document or database that examines all words in every stored document as opposed to searching only metadata or titles.

## Examples

- I used full-text search to find the specific quote in the book.
- The library's new digital archive includes a full-text search feature, allowing researchers to locate specific phrases within thousands of scanned historical newspapers.
- Implementing an efficient full-text search requires sophisticated indexing algorithms to ensure that queries return relevant results across massive datasets without significant latency.

## Usage notes

- Often functions as a compound noun or an attributive modifier before another noun.

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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.