domain name: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical, Business, Everyday (in digital contexts)
Quick answer
What does “domain name” mean?
The unique, human-readable address used to identify a website on the internet, such as 'example.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The unique, human-readable address used to identify a website on the internet, such as 'example.com'.
A registered identifier for a specific location on the internet, serving as a user-friendly label for a numeric IP address. It is a key asset in branding, online identity, and digital property.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center' in a domain).
Connotations
Identical connotations of digital identity and web presence.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties due to the global nature of the internet.
Grammar
How to Use “domain name” in a Sentence
[Subject] registered/owns [domain name]The [domain name] points to/hosts [website][Adjective] + domain name (e.g., available, expired, premium)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “domain name” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to domain-name our new venture carefully.
- They are domain-naming their product line.
American English
- We need to domain-name our new venture carefully.
- The company is domain-naming its global campaign.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard; no common adverbial form]
American English
- [Not standard; no common adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- The domain-name registration process is simple.
- We're reviewing our domain-name strategy.
American English
- The domain-name registration process is simple.
- We're dealing with a domain-name dispute.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A crucial digital asset for branding and e-commerce; subject to investment and speculation.
Academic
Studied in fields like internet governance, law (cyberlaw), information systems, and digital marketing.
Everyday
Used when discussing creating a website, blogging, or online shopping.
Technical
A label in the hierarchical Domain Name System (DNS) that translates to an IP address.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “domain name”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “domain name”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “domain name”
- Using 'domain' and 'domain name' interchangeably in very precise technical writing (a 'domain' is a broader section of the DNS).
- Incorrect plural: 'domain names' (correct), not 'domains name'.
- Misspelling as 'domainname' (should be two words or hyphenated in some style guides).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A domain name (e.g., 'example.com') is a core part of a URL. The full URL (e.g., 'https://www.example.com/page') includes the protocol ('https'), the subdomain ('www'), the domain name ('example.com'), and a specific path ('/page').
No, you register a domain name for a period (usually 1-10 years). You have the right to renew it, but if you don't, it eventually becomes available for others to register.
These are called top-level domains (TLDs). '.com' stands for 'commercial' (but is now general use), '.uk' is a country-code TLD for the United Kingdom. They indicate the domain's category or geographic association.
It is standardly written as two separate words ('domain name'). Some technical documents may hyphenate it as a compound modifier (e.g., 'domain-name registration'), but the noun form is two words.
The unique, human-readable address used to identify a website on the internet, such as 'example.
Domain name is usually technical, business, everyday (in digital contexts) in register.
Domain name: in British English it is pronounced /dəʊˈmeɪn ˌneɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /doʊˈmeɪn ˌneɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DOMAIN as your piece of the internet, and its NAME is how people find it, like your house's address.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIGITAL REAL ESTATE (A domain name is a 'plot' of land on the internet; you buy, sell, and develop it.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a domain name?