English Reference

Word

HTTP

/ˌeɪtʃˌtiˌtiˈpi/

Definition

n. Stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. This is the system that allows your web browser to talk to a website and show you its content.

n. Abbreviation for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. The primary protocol used for transmitting web pages and related data between a client and a server over the internet.

Examples

“Every website address you type starts with HTTP or HTTPS.”

“When you click a link, your browser sends an HTTP request to a server to ask for the page data.”

“The transition from HTTP to its encrypted successor has become a standard security requirement for any site handling sensitive user information.”

Examples

simple

“Every website address you type starts with HTTP or HTTPS.”

contextual

“When you click a link, your browser sends an HTTP request to a server to ask for the page data.”

complex

“The transition from HTTP to its encrypted successor has become a standard security requirement for any site handling sensitive user information.”

Usage

Usually written in capital letters; often appears at the beginning of a URL followed by a colon and two slashes.

Teaching tip

While B2 learners should recognize the term, they rarely need to use it in conversation unless discussing technology or web addresses.

Etymology

An initialism of Hypertext Transfer Protocol, coined by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989. It was devised as part of the original technical architecture for the World Wide Web.

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

Domain

Web Development

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated
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Technical

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English Reference