Is 'browser' only used for computers?

No, modern usage includes smartphones and tablets (e.g., 'mobile browser').

What's the difference between a browser and a search engine?

A browser is the software (like Chrome) you use to access the internet. A search engine (like Google) is a website you visit via a browser to find other websites.

Can 'browser' be a verb?

Yes, the verb is 'to browse' (e.g., 'browse the web', 'browse in a shop'). 'Browser' itself is a noun.

Why do I sometimes see 'web browser' instead of just 'browser'?

'Web browser' is the full, precise term. In most contexts, 'browser' is sufficient due to its overwhelming association with the web.

Is “browser” formal?

Browser is usually neutral in register.

How do you pronounce “browser”?

Browser: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbraʊzə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbraʊzər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

browser: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

High

UK/ˈbraʊzə(r)/US/ˈbraʊzər/

Neutral

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “browser” mean?

A software program used to access and view websites and other information on the internet.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A software program used to access and view websites and other information on the internet.

A person who looks through items casually, especially in a shop, library, or online catalogue, without a specific purchase or goal in mind.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. The secondary, human-agent meaning may be slightly more common in British retail contexts.

Connotations

Neutral to slightly technical. Universally understood.

Frequency

Extremely high frequency in both regions due to universal internet use.

Grammar

How to Use “browser” in a Sentence

Open [something] in a browser.Use a browser to access [website].The browser displays/shows/renders [content].

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

web browserinternet browserbrowser windowbrowser historybrowser cache

medium

default browserbrowser tabbrowser extensionopen in your browsermodern browser

weak

popular browserfast browserupdate your browsermobile browser

Examples

Examples of “browser” in a Sentence

verb

British English

He spent the afternoon browsing the catalogue.
I was just browsing, thanks.

American English

She browsed the web for hours.
Feel free to browse around the store.

adverb

British English

(Rare/Non-standard) N/A

American English

(Rare/Non-standard) N/A

adjective

British English

The browser experience was seamless.
Browser security is paramount.

American English

We need a better browser plugin.
The browser window froze.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Essential tool for accessing cloud services, web applications, and market research.

Academic

Primary tool for accessing online journals, libraries, and research databases.

Everyday

Used daily for social media, shopping, news, and entertainment.

Technical

Software with a rendering engine, JavaScript interpreter, and networking stack.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “browser”

Strong

navigator (archaic/technical)user agent (highly technical)

Neutral

web browserinternet explorer (generic, not the software)web client

Weak

viewer program app software

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “browser”

(conceptually) serveroffline reader

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “browser”

Misspelling as 'brower' or 'browzer'.
Using uncapitalized 'internet explorer' generically instead of 'web browser'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, modern usage includes smartphones and tablets (e.g., 'mobile browser').
: A browser is the software (like Chrome) you use to access the internet. A search engine (like Google) is a website you visit via a browser to find other websites.
: Yes, the verb is 'to browse' (e.g., 'browse the web', 'browse in a shop'). 'Browser' itself is a noun.
: 'Web browser' is the full, precise term. In most contexts, 'browser' is sufficient due to its overwhelming association with the web.
: A software program used to access and view websites and other information on the internet.
: Browser is usually neutral in register.
: Browser: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbraʊzə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbraʊzər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“browser wars (historical competition between browser companies)”
“to go/be browser-native (software designed to run primarily in a browser)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: "BROWSing the intERnet" = BROWSER. It's your window for casually looking through the web.

Conceptual Metaphor

A WINDOW (to the internet), a PORTAL, a VIEWER.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

For security reasons, you should always keep your updated to the latest version.

Multiple Choice

What is the original, now less common meaning of 'browser'?