network
gb/nˈɛtwˌɚk/ us/nˈɛtwˌɚk/
B1
English
~ 1200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
System of connected people or things
A group of people or things that are connected and share information or help each other.
Usage pattern:
a network of [people/things]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'network' with 'net worth', which refers to financial value, not connections.
Synonyms
system (A general term for an organized set of connected parts; less specific about connections for communication.)
Antonyms
isolation (The state of being alone or disconnected, opposite of being part of a network.)
Collocations
social network
|professional network
|support network
|global network
|network of friends
Themes
technology
|business
|communication
|relationships
Examples
- She joined a professional network to meet other designers.
- The company's global network allows it to operate in over 50 countries.
- He built a strong network of contacts in the industry.
- Social networks have changed the way we communicate.
- The support network helped him through difficult times.
Learner examples
- I have a network of friends at school.
- My father has a big work network.
- We made a small network of computers.
- She is part of a sports network.
- The hospital has a network of doctors.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Interconnected computer system
A group of computers or devices that can talk to each other and share things like files or internet.
Usage pattern:
connect [something] to the network
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'network' with 'internet', but a network can be local without being connected to the internet.
Synonyms
intranet (A private internal computer network, usually within an organization.)
Antonyms
standalone (A device not connected to any other device or network.)
Collocations
computer network
|wireless network
|home network
|local area network
|connect to the network
Themes
technology
|computing
Examples
- The office computers are all on the same network.
- I can't access the file because I'm not connected to the network.
- Our wireless network is protected by a password.
- The printer is available to everyone on the network.
- They upgraded the company's computer network for faster speeds.
Learner examples
- My phone is on the Wi-Fi network.
- We have a home network for our computers.
- The printer is on the office network.
- He fixed the school computer network.
- I joined the cafe's wireless network.
Verb
B2
action
3
Build professional or social connections
To meet and talk with people so you can make useful work or social connections.
Usage pattern:
network with [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'network' as a verb with using a computer network; here it refers to people and relationships.
Synonyms
socialize (More general and informal; not necessarily for professional purposes.)
Antonyms
withdraw (To avoid social or professional interaction, opposite of networking.)
Collocations
network with colleagues
|network effectively
|network at events
|learn to network
Themes
business
|communication
|relationships
Examples
- She went to the conference to network with potential clients.
- Networking is essential for finding new job opportunities.
- He networks regularly at industry events.
- They teach young entrepreneurs how to network effectively.
Learner examples
- I want to network with other teachers.
- We can network at the meeting.
- She likes to network at parties for work.
- He networks with many people in his job.
Noun
B1
entity
4
Broadcasting organization or group of stations
A TV or radio company that sends out programs across many places.
Usage pattern:
[TV/radio] network
Synonyms
broadcaster (Any person or company that sends out radio or television programs; not necessarily part of a larger group.)
Antonyms
independent station (A single TV or radio station not part of a larger broadcasting group.)
Collocations
major network
|television network
|broadcast network
Themes
media
|entertainment
|communication
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The news was broadcast on all major networks.
- She works for a television network in New York.
- The show will premiere on the national network next month.
Learner examples
- I watch news on a big TV network.
- He works for a radio network.
- The show is on a famous network.
Grammar
Dictionary form
network
IPA
GB/nˈɛtwˌɚk/
US/nˈɛtwˌɚk/
Syllables & stress
net - work (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (net)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: network
- Plural: networks
Verb
- Base: network
- 3rd Person Singular: networks
- Present Participle: networking
- Past: networked
Word family
Forms
networks
noun
networking
verb
networked
verb
Related words
networker
noun
Expressions
network marketing
1/nˈɛtwˌɚk mˈɑɹkɪtɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Sales through personal networks model
A way of selling products where you also ask people you know to sell them too.
Examples
- She earns money through a network marketing company.
- Network marketing relies heavily on personal contacts.
social network
1/sˈoʊʃəl nˈɛtwˌɚk/
fixed phrase
Online platform for social connections
A website or app where people connect and talk with friends online.
Examples
- Facebook is the largest social network in the world.
- Many businesses use social networks to reach customers.
support network
1/səpˈɔɹt nˈɛtwˌɚk/
fixed phrase
Group providing help/support
People who help you when you have problems, like friends, family, or groups.
Examples
- Her support network helped her recover after surgery.
- It's important to have a strong support network during tough times.
computer network
1/kəmpjˈutɚ nˈɛtwˌɚk/
fixed phrase
technical
Linked system of computers
A group of computers that are connected so they can share information.
Examples
- The office computers are connected through a secure computer network.
- The office computer network was down all morning.
- Setting up a home computer network is easier now than before.
- We upgraded our home computer network last week.