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network

n. · v.
US //ˈnɛtˌwɝk// UK //nˈɛtwɜːk// net·work
  1. 1 connected people or things (n.)
    A2 Elementary

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

    an interconnected group or system of people or things.

    Example

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

    Example

    The researchers identified a complex network of underground tunnels that had been used for transport during the medieval period.
  2. 2 computing and internet (n.)
    A2 Elementary Computing

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The security protocol requires all devices on the internal network to undergo a mandatory software update every thirty days.
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  1. 3 social/professional connections (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Building a diverse professional network is often more effective for career advancement than simply applying for advertised positions.
  2. 4 to meet people for work (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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.
  3. 5 to connect computers (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    to connect computers or devices so they can share information.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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