paging: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical/Professional
Quick answer
What does “paging” mean?
The process of systematically calling for someone by name, typically via a public address system or a device like a pager.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of systematically calling for someone by name, typically via a public address system or a device like a pager.
1. (Computing) The memory management technique of transferring pages of data between main memory and auxiliary storage. 2. (Telecom) Broadcasting a signal to activate a pager or similar device. 3. The action of dividing content (like a book or document) into separate pages.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Paging' for calling a person is equally understood. In computing contexts, both varieties use the term identically.
Connotations
Neutral in technical contexts. When referring to calling a person, it can sound slightly dated or formal/institutional (e.g., airports, hospitals).
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English in the 'calling for a person' sense, due to the historical prevalence of pagers in US healthcare. In computing, frequency is identical.
Grammar
How to Use “paging” in a Sentence
Paging [someone] (e.g., paging Dr. Smith)Paging through [something] (e.g., paging through a magazine)The system is paging [data] (computing)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “paging” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The receptionist is paging the consultant to A&E.
- The operating system was constantly paging data to the hard drive.
American English
- Can you page the car owner over the loudspeaker?
- If your application is paging too much, you need more RAM.
adjective
British English
- The paging algorithm was highly efficient.
- We have a hospital-wide paging system.
American English
- Check the paging file size in the system settings.
- The paging device emitted a soft beep.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in IT departments discussing system performance: 'Excessive paging is slowing down the server.'
Academic
Common in Computer Science for memory management. Less common in other fields.
Everyday
Limited. Mostly heard in hospitals, airports, or large venues: 'We are paging the owner of a blue Toyota.'
Technical
Very common in IT/Computing (operating systems, memory architecture) and Telecommunications (pager networks).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “paging”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “paging”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “paging”
- Using 'paging' to mean simply 'reading' (it implies turning/searching through pages).
- Confusing 'paging' (the process) with 'a page' (the unit).
- Incorrect part of speech: 'The paging is loud' (awkward; better: 'The paging system is loud').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Often used interchangeably, but technically 'paging' moves fixed-size blocks (pages), while 'swapping' moves entire processes. Paging is the more general modern term.
No. 'Paging through' a book implies turning pages quickly or searching, not reading intently.
It's a legacy term from mobile networks, indicating the phone is searching for or being located by the network signal.
The 'calling for a person' sense is declining with the demise of pagers, but it remains vital in computing terminology.
The process of systematically calling for someone by name, typically via a public address system or a device like a pager.
Paging is usually technical/professional in register.
Paging: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪdʒɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪdʒɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Paging all cars! (police/emergency call)”
- “Paging through the annals of history (figurative, for reviewing)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PAGE in a book being moved to a different folder. That's what computer memory does during PAGING. Or, picture a hotel PAGE (a person) calling out a name - that's the original meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANISATION IS PAGING (arranging things into manageable units); SUMMONING IS BROADCASTING A SIGNAL.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'paging' LEAST likely be used?