English Reference

Word

network

Phoneticsnet·work, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈnɛtˌwɝk/

UK/nˈɛtwɜːk/

Definitions

01connected people or things

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a group of people or things that are connected to each other.

n. an interconnected group or system of people or things.

“The city has a large network of buses and trains that run all night.”

“The researchers identified a complex network of underground tunnels that had been used for transport during the medieval period.”

Synonyms

02computing and internet

A2 · Elementary Countable noun Computing

n. a group of computers or devices that are linked together to share information.

n. a group of two or more computer systems linked together to facilitate digital communication and resource sharing.

“I couldn't print my document because the office network was down.”

“The security protocol requires all devices on the internal network to undergo a mandatory software update every thirty days.”

03social/professional connections

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a group of people who know each other and help each other with work.

n. a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest.

“She has a strong professional network that helped her find a new job.”

“Building a diverse professional network is often more effective for career advancement than simply applying for advertised positions.”

04to meet people for work

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to talk to people who might be useful to know for your job or career.

v. to interact with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.

“Conferences are a great place to network with other people in your industry.”

“The evening gala provided a relaxed environment for junior associates to network with senior partners from across the region.”

Usage

The verb is usually intransitive and often used at conferences or business events.

05to connect computers

B2 · Upper Intermediate Computing Technical

v. to connect computers or devices so they can share information.

v. to link computers or other electronic devices together to form a system.

“We need to network all the computers in the new office before Monday.”

“The IT department spent the weekend networking the new laboratory equipment to the central server to allow for real-time data analysis.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “network” in context.

01. network of friends 02. communication network 03. complex network 04. develop network 05. extensive network 06. global network 07. neural network 08. social network

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *neHd- Proto-Indo-European *-yós Proto-Germanic *natją Proto-West Germanic *nati Old English nett Middle English net English net Proto-Indo-European *werǵ- Proto-Indo-European *-om Proto-Indo-European *wérǵom Proto-Germanic *werką Proto-West Germanic *werk Old English weorc Middle English werk English work English network From net + work; the nonliteral sense and its subsenses are extended from the literal sense; they are now the dominant senses. Cognate with German Netzwerk.

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

Word family

NOUN

network(A2)

Related words

Idioms

The word in film

Network · 1976 · Comedy

Directed by:
Sidney Lumet
Starring:
Gerald Ford, Robert Duvall, Faye Dunaway

Director Sidney Lumet presents a dark comedy about a powerful television company and the people who work there. The title describes the large organization of connected stations that broadcasts programs to the entire country.

Domains

ComputingInternetNetworking

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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English Reference