# network

/ˈnɛtˌwɝk/ (US) · /nˈɛtwɜːk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/network
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. connected people or things

noun · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. computing and internet

noun · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. social/professional connections

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to meet people for work

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to connect computers

verb · CEFR B2 · Technical

to connect computers or devices so they can share information.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The office computer network is down today.
- Building a strong professional network can help you find a new job more quickly through personal recommendations.
- The researchers mapped the complex network of neural pathways to understand how the brain processes visual stimuli in real time.

---

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.