cyber
gb/sˈaɪbɚ/ us/sˈaɪbɚ/
B1
English
~ 6600
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
related to computers or the internet
About computers, the internet, or things that happen online.
Usage pattern:
cyber [noun]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use *cyber* alone as a noun to mean "the internet" in neutral contexts (e.g., *I found it on the cyber*). In everyday English, speakers usually say *online*, *on the internet*, or use compound forms like *cyber world* or *cyberspace* instead.
Synonyms
online (Focuses on being connected to the internet right now, while "cyber" is more about the general digital or internet-based nature of something.)
|
digital (Broader and can include non‑internet technology, while "cyber" usually suggests an online or networked aspect.)
Antonyms
offline (Describes activity not connected to the internet, which contrasts with the internet‑based idea in "cyber".)
|
analog (Describes non‑digital technology, the opposite of the digital or networked focus of "cyber".)
Collocations
cyber world
|cyber culture
|cyber community
|cyber cafe
|cyber identity
|cyber presence
Themes
technology
|internet
|media
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The new law aims to protect children in the cyber world.
- Many young people build strong friendships in cyber communities.
- She runs a small business that exists only in the cyber space of social media platforms.
- The company is investing heavily in cyber marketing campaigns.
- Some older people find the fast‑changing cyber culture confusing.
Learner examples
- He spends a lot of time in the cyber world.
- I met my best friend in a cyber community.
- Many shops now have a cyber version of their store.
- My grandparents are slowly learning about the cyber world.
- Some people feel more free in cyber spaces than in real life.
adjective
technical
B2
property
2
about online crime or security
About crime, attacks, or security that happen using computers and the internet.
Usage pattern:
cyber [noun]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes write *cyber-security* with a hyphen or *cyber security* as two words and think one form is always correct. In practice, all three forms are seen, but many modern style guides prefer *cybersecurity* (one word) when it is a noun, and keep *cyber* + noun (e.g., *cyber attack*) as two words.
Synonyms
online (Can describe crime or attacks on the internet, but is more general; "cyber" here strongly implies a security or threat context.)
|
digital (Can refer to security for digital systems, but "cyber" more clearly points to internet‑connected systems and networks.)
Antonyms
physical (Describes attacks or crimes done in the real world with physical force, opposite to computer‑based "cyber" activity.)
|
offline (Refers to systems or threats not connected to the internet, which contrasts with the network‑based focus of "cyber" threats.)
Collocations
cyber attack
|cyber crime
|cyber security
|cyber defense
|cyber threat
|cyber warfare
Themes
technology
|security
|law
Examples
- The government warned companies about a new wave of cyber attacks.
- She specializes in cyber security and risk management.
- Banks are investing more money in cyber defense systems.
- Police say cyber crime is now more common than street robbery.
- The report described cyber warfare as a growing national security concern.
Learner examples
- The company had a big cyber attack last year.
- He wants a job in cyber security.
- Cyber crime can steal your bank details.
- Many countries prepare for cyber warfare.
- Good passwords can help prevent cyber threats.
Noun
informal
C1
entity
3
online sexual chat or activity
Sexual talk or activity that happens online, usually by text or pictures.
Usage pattern:
to have/do cyber (with [someone])
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this informal noun use of *cyber* with the more general technology meaning and use it in serious, neutral contexts. In careful or formal English, avoid using *cyber* alone for this meaning; use *cybersex* if the topic must be discussed.
Synonyms
cybersex (More explicit and standard; clearly refers to sexual activity online, while "cyber" as a noun is a shorter, slangy form.)
|
online sex (Transparent description that focuses on the sexual aspect more directly than the clipped form "cyber".)
Antonyms
in-person sex (Sexual activity that happens face to face, in the physical world, not through computers.)
Collocations
have cyber
|do cyber
|cyber with [someone]
Themes
relationships
|internet
|communication
Examples
- In the early days of chat rooms, some users went there mainly to have cyber.
- She found out her partner had been having cyber with strangers late at night.
- The article discussed whether having cyber should be considered cheating.
- Parents are worried about teenagers being pressured into cyber by older people.
- He claimed it was only cyber and not a "real" relationship.
Learner examples
- They met in a chat room and started to have cyber.
- She was upset when she learned he was doing cyber with someone else.
- Some people think having cyber is not the same as cheating.
- Cyber can be dangerous if you share private photos.
- Teenagers should know the risks of cyber with strangers.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
4
the field of cybersecurity work
The work area where people protect computers and networks from online attacks.
Usage pattern:
work in cyber; a career in cyber
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse this noun form in general English (e.g., *I like cyber*). Outside professional or military contexts, speakers usually talk about *working in cybersecurity* or *in IT security* instead of *in cyber*.
Synonyms
cybersecurity (More explicit; clearly names the field, while "cyber" is a shorter, somewhat jargon-like way to refer to the same domain.)
|
information security (Broader and more formal; can include non‑networked systems, while "cyber" usually suggests network and internet‑focused security work.)
Antonyms
traditional IT (Refers to information technology roles focused on general systems support rather than specialized cyber defense or security operations.)
Collocations
work in cyber
|career in cyber
|jobs in cyber
|skills in cyber
|move into cyber
Themes
technology
|security
|work
|business
Examples
- She left accounting to build a career in cyber.
- There is a serious skills shortage in cyber across many countries.
- More universities now offer degrees that prepare students for jobs in cyber.
- He has worked in cyber for over a decade, mainly in the financial sector.
- The army is expanding its units that focus on cyber.
Learner examples
- He wants to work in cyber after university.
- There are many new jobs in cyber.
- More people are moving into cyber from other IT roles.
- She is studying to get skills in cyber.
- Cyber is growing as an important field.
Grammar
Dictionary form
cyber
IPA
GB/sˈaɪbɚ/
US/sˈaɪbɚ/
Syllables & stress
cy - ber (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cy)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: cyber
- Comparative: cyberer
- Superlative: cyberest
Noun
- Base: cyber
- Plural: cybers
Word family
Forms
cybers
noun
cyberer
adjective
cyberest
adjective
Core family
Related words
cyberattack
noun
cybercriminal
noun
cyberbullying
noun
Advanced or less common
cyberwarfare
noun
cybernetic
adjective
cybernetics
noun
Expressions
cyber attack
1/sˈaɪbɚ ətˈæk/
fixed phrase
technical
computer-based attack on systems
An attempt to damage, break into, or stop computers or networks using online tools.
Examples
- The hospital was hit by a major cyber attack that shut down its computer systems.
- Governments are warning that cyber attacks against critical infrastructure are rising.
cyber bullying
1/sˈaɪbɚ bˈʊliɪŋ/
fixed phrase
bullying through messages or online
Hurting or frightening someone by sending bad messages or sharing bad things about them online.
Examples
- Schools are trying to stop cyber bullying among teenagers.
- Parents should talk to their children about how to respond to cyber bullying.
cyber cafe
1/sˈaɪbɚ kæfˈeɪ/
fixed phrase
cafe with public internet computers
A small place where you can pay to use computers and the internet, and often buy drinks or snacks.
Examples
- We went to a cyber cafe to check our email while traveling.
- In many cities, cyber cafes have become less common as more people have smartphones.
cyber crime
1/sˈaɪbɚ kɹˈaɪm/
fixed phrase
technical
crime using computers or internet
Illegal activity that uses computers or the internet, for example stealing money or data online.
Examples
- Police say that cyber crime now costs businesses billions of dollars each year.
- The course teaches students how to investigate different types of cyber crime.
cyber crime
1/sˈaɪbɚ kɹˈaɪm/
fixed phrase
spelling variant of cybercrime
another way to write cybercrime.
Examples
- The article uses the term “cyber crime,” but it means the same as “cybercrime.”
- Some organizations still write “cyber crime” in reports and press releases.
cyber insurance
1/sˈaɪbɚ ɪnʃˈʊɹəns/
fixed phrase
technical
insurance against online attack losses
Insurance that pays a company money if it loses data or money because of a cyber attack.
Examples
- Many small businesses are now buying cyber insurance.
- The policy includes cyber insurance in case of a data breach.
Cyber Monday
1/sˈaɪbɚ mˈʌndˌeɪ/
fixed phrase
online shopping discount day
The Monday after Thanksgiving when many internet shops have big sales.
Examples
- We waited until Cyber Monday to buy a new laptop online.
- Online stores made record profits on Cyber Monday this year.
cyber security
1/sˈaɪbɚ sɪkjˈʊɹɪti/
fixed phrase
technical
protection of computers and networks
The work of keeping computers and networks safe from attacks or problems.
Examples
- He works in cyber security for a large bank.
- Good cyber security depends on both strong technology and trained staff.
cyber threat
1/sˈaɪbɚ θɹˈɛt/
fixed phrase
technical
possible digital attack risk
A possible attack or danger to computers or networks that could come through the internet.
Examples
- Small companies often underestimate the cyber threat they face.
- The report lists the main cyber threats to the energy sector.
cyber warfare
1/sˈaɪbɚ wˈɔɹfˌɛɹ/
fixed phrase
technical
warfare using digital network attacks
War between countries that uses attacks on computers and networks instead of only physical weapons.
Examples
- Experts say future conflicts will include more cyber warfare.
- The new unit is responsible for defending against cyber warfare tactics.