ip address
C1Formal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A unique numerical identifier assigned to each device on a computer network.
A string of numbers separated by periods or colons (for IPv4 or IPv6 respectively) that identifies a device on a network, allowing data to be sent to and received from it.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The abbreviation stands for 'Internet Protocol address'. Often prefaced with an article ('an IP address' or 'the IP address'). It can refer to both a specific unique address and the concept in general.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or use. Both use the term identically, though spelling of related words may differ (e.g., 'programme' vs. 'program' in context).
Connotations
Neutral, purely technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in technical contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] an IP address (e.g., 'find', 'assign')The IP address [verb] (e.g., 'identifies', 'belongs to')[adjective] IP address (e.g., 'static', 'dynamic')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Your digital fingerprint”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The IT department needs to configure the IP address for the new server.
Academic
The study analysed traffic patterns by tracing the origin IP addresses.
Everyday
My internet isn't working; I think I need to check my IP address.
Technical
The router's DHCP server will lease an IPv4 address to the client.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They will IP-address the new devices tomorrow.
- The system is IP-addressed automatically.
American English
- The technician will IP the new machines on the network.
- All devices are IP'd by the server.
adjective
British English
- The IP-address configuration is complete.
- They faced an IP-address conflict.
American English
- We need the IP address information.
- He fixed the IP addressing scheme.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Every computer has an IP address.
- I need to find my IP address to fix the Wi-Fi.
- Your internet service provider can change your public IP address periodically.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine your computer's house number on Internet Street. The postman (the internet router) needs this exact IP Address to deliver data packages.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COMPUTER ADDRESS IS A PHYSICAL ADDRESS; The network is a city, devices are houses, and data packets are letters.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation 'айпи адрес' is standard and correct.
- Do not translate 'IP' as 'интернет протокол' in casual speech; it's an abbreviation.
- Be careful with articles: 'an IP address' (not 'a'), as 'IP' is pronounced with a vowel sound (/aɪ/).
Common Mistakes
- Writing 'IP-address' with a hyphen (incorrect, it's 'IP address' or 'IP address').
- Using the wrong article: 'a IP address' instead of 'an IP address'.
- Confusing 'IP address' with 'MAC address' (hardware vs. network layer).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'IP' stand for in 'IP address'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, on the same network, each IP address must be unique to avoid conflicts and ensure data is routed correctly.
IPv4 uses a 32-bit address format (like 192.168.1.1), providing about 4.3 billion addresses. IPv6 uses a 128-bit hexadecimal format (like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334), providing a vastly larger number of addresses to meet modern internet needs.
An IP address can identify your general location and internet service provider, and can be linked to your online activity by your ISP or websites. In many jurisdictions, it is considered personal data.
A static IP address is manually assigned to a device and does not change. A dynamic IP address is temporarily assigned by a DHCP server and can change each time the device connects to the network.