English Reference

Word

HTTPS

Definition

n. Stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It is the standard way to send data safely between your web browser and a website.

n. Abbreviation for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. An extension of HTTP that uses TLS/SSL encryption to secure data transfer and verify the identity of the website.

Examples

“Always check for HTTPS in the address bar before entering your password.”

“The website was flagged as insecure because it used standard HTTP instead of the encrypted HTTPS protocol.”

“Modern web browsers now prioritize HTTPS connections by default, warning users of potential security risks when a site fails to provide a valid SSL certificate for encrypted data transmission.”

Examples

simple

“Always check for HTTPS in the address bar before entering your password.”

contextual

“The website was flagged as insecure because it used standard HTTP instead of the encrypted HTTPS protocol.”

complex

“Modern web browsers now prioritize HTTPS connections by default, warning users of potential security risks when a site fails to provide a valid SSL certificate for encrypted data transmission.”

Usage

Usually written in capital letters and appears at the beginning of a web address.

Teaching tip

Explain to students that the 'S' stands for 'Secure' and is the key difference from the older HTTP protocol.

Etymology

An initialism formed from Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It was introduced by Netscape Communications in 1994 for its Navigator browser.

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

Synonyms

secure protocolencrypted connection

Antonyms

Domain

Web Development

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated
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Technical

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English Reference