English

browser

gb/bɹˈaʊzɚ/ us/bɹˈaʊzɚ/
A2 English
~ 1300
Senses
0 senses
Noun A2 entity
1

Software for viewing websites

A computer program that lets you look at websites on the internet.

Usage pattern: to open [a website] in [a browser]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'browser' with 'search engine'. A browser is the program used to access websites, while a search engine is a website or tool within a browser to find information.
Synonyms
web browser (More specific term emphasizing use for the World Wide Web.) | internet browser (Common informal variant; same meaning.)
Antonyms
offline application (An app that does not require internet access, opposite of a browser's primary function.)
Collocations
web browser |internet browser |browser window |browser tab |browser settings
Themes
technology |internet |computing |communication |core_vocabulary
Examples
  • I use Chrome as my main browser.
  • The website looks different depending on the browser you use.
  • She updated her browser to the latest version.
  • Browsers can store your passwords if you allow them.
  • Make sure your browser has cookies enabled.
Learner examples
  • I open the news in my browser.
  • My browser is slow today.
  • Please close the browser when you are done.
  • I use this browser for work.
  • This browser is easy to use.
Noun B1 entity
2

Person who looks at items casually

Someone who looks at things in a shop or online but may not buy them now.

Usage pattern: [someone] is a browser in [a store]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'web browser'; here it refers to a person, not software.
Synonyms
window shopper (Informal term for someone who looks without buying.)
Antonyms
buyer (Someone who actually purchases items, opposite of a casual browser.)
Collocations
casual browser |window browser |online browser
Themes
shopping |daily life |daily_life |business |core_vocabulary
Examples
  • The shop was full of browsers enjoying the display.
  • I'm just a browser today, not looking to buy anything.
  • Online stores often track browsers as well as buyers.
  • They welcome browsers because they might return later to make a purchase.
Learner examples
  • I am only a browser today.
  • There are many browsers in the market.
  • He is a browser, not a buyer.
  • The shop has some browsers now.
  • Browsers sometimes become buyers later.
Grammar
Dictionary form
browser
IPA
GB/bɹˈaʊzɚ/
US/bɹˈaʊzɚ/
Syllables & stress
browser (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (browser)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: browser
  • Plural: browsers
Word family
Forms
browsers noun
Core family
browse verb A2
Advanced or less common
browsable adjective
Expressions

browser cache

1
/bɹˈaʊzɚ kˈæʃ/
fixed phrase technical

Temporary storage of web data

A place where your web browser keeps website files for quick loading later.

Examples
  • If a site doesn't load properly, try clearing your browser cache.
  • The images loaded quickly because they were in the browser cache.

browser history

2
/bɹˈaʊzɚ hˈɪstɚi/
fixed phrase technical

List of visited websites

A list of websites that you looked at in your web browser.

Examples
  • I cleared my browser history to protect my privacy.
  • The IT team can check your browser history if needed.

browser tab

3
/bɹˈaʊzɚ tˈæb/
fixed phrase technical

Page opened within a browser window

One of several pages you can open inside one window of your web browser.

Examples
  • I keep too many browser tabs open at once.
  • You can switch between pages by clicking on different browser tabs.

Welcome back!

Please sign in to continue

Forgot password?
Don't have an account? Sign up