# MAC address

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mac-address
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

Stands for Media Access Control address. A unique code given to every piece of hardware that connects to a network, like a phone or a laptop. It helps routers identify exactly which device is sending or receiving data.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Media Access Control address. A unique, permanent hardware identifier assigned to a network interface controller for communications at the data link layer of a network segment. It is typically represented as six groups of two hexadecimal digits.

## Examples

- The technician asked for the MAC address of my laptop.
- To improve security, the office router is configured to only allow specific MAC addresses to join the wireless network.
- While an IP address can change depending on the network connection, a MAC address is hard-coded into the device's network card by the manufacturer to ensure global uniqueness.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I changed my MAC address to connect to the internet." but "I changed my IP address to connect to the internet." — Learners often confuse the MAC address, which is a permanent hardware ID, with the IP address, which is a temporary network location.

## Usage notes

- Often used in technical contexts regarding networking and hardware security.

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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.