internet

internet — noun

1. the worldwide network of linked computers and electronic devices that lets peopl

1.nounA1
Definition

the worldwide network of linked computers and electronic devices that lets people get information, talk to each other, watch shows, shop, and do many other things online

Example

Diego uses **the internet** to study English every evening.

the internet as object of 'use' for a purpose

Leila found a cheap flight **on the internet** for her trip to Japan.

prepositional phrase: on the internet

Common collocations
  • the internet
  • on the internet
  • over the internet
  • via the internet
  • internet access
  • internet connection
  • internet user
  • internet service
  • internet cafe
  • internet speed
Synonyms
  • the web

    refers specifically to the World Wide Web; more common in everyday speech about websites and browsing

  • the net

    informal abbreviation; common in casual conversation

  • cyberspace

    more abstract term for the virtual world created by networks; often used in discussions of digital culture or security

Grammar Patterns

the internet

on the internet

internet + noun (compound)

Usage Note

Always use the definite article "the" before "internet" when talking about the system as a whole (e.g., "the internet is fast today"). In compounds like "internet access" or "internet connection," no article is needed before the modifier. In informal speech, people sometimes shorten it to "the net."

Common Mistakes

I found the recipe in the internet.
I found the recipe on the internet.
The correct preposition is 'on,' not 'in.'
Internet is very slow today.
The internet is very slow today.
Use the definite article 'the' before 'internet.'
I don't have internet at home.
I don't have internet access at home.
Adding 'access' or 'connection' sounds more natural in formal English.

Word family

  • internet-based
    adjectiveB1
  • internetworking
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Internet refers to the physical global network of connected computers and cables. The web (short for World Wide Web) is a system of websites and pages that runs on the internet — in daily conversation people use the two words interchangeably, but technically the web is just one service on the internet. Cyberspace is a more abstract and literary term for the virtual environment created by digital networks, often used when talking about online identity or security. The net is an informal shortening of internet, common in phrases like 'surf the net' or 'what's on the net tonight?' For most everyday situations, use internet or web. Choose cyberspace when you want to sound more conceptual or literary, and net in casual speech with friends. For example: 'I found the information on the internet' (neutral); 'I was browsing the web' (everyday); 'She spent the evening surfing the net' (casual).

internet ↗web ↗cyberspacenet ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • on the internet
  • over the internet
  • via the internet
  • surf the internet
  • browse the internet
  • internet service provider

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld EnglishEnglish

The word 'internet' is a blend of 'inter-' (from Latin, meaning 'between' or 'among') and 'network' (from Old English 'net' meaning a mesh of threads, combined with 'work'). Engineers first used the term 'internetworking' in the 1970s to describe the technique of connecting separate computer networks. This was shortened to 'internet' by the early 1980s. When the global network became public in the 1990s, the word entered everyday language and lost its capital letter in common use.