# HTTP

/ˌeɪtʃˌtiˌtiˈpi/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. web protocol

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

- When you type a web address, your browser uses HTTP to request the page from the server.
- Modern web browsers often default to HTTPS for security, but the underlying HTTP protocol remains the standard for data exchange on the World Wide Web.

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.

## 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.

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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.