search engine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral
Quick answer
What does “search engine” mean?
A computer program that searches for and identifies items in a database that correspond to keywords or characters specified by the user, used especially for finding websites on the internet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A computer program that searches for and identifies items in a database that correspond to keywords or characters specified by the user, used especially for finding websites on the internet.
Any system or algorithm designed to retrieve information from a large data set, not necessarily limited to the internet. Can also refer metaphorically to a person or process that systematically investigates or explores.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related words may differ (e.g., 'optimise' vs. 'optimize' for SEO). The term is universally understood and used identically.
Connotations
Identical in both dialects. Associated strongly with technology, information access, and the internet era.
Frequency
Extremely high and identical frequency in both dialects due to the global nature of the internet.
Grammar
How to Use “search engine” in a Sentence
[Verb] + search engine: use, run, query, optimize for, build, developSearch engine + [Verb]: returns, finds, indexes, crawls, ranks[Adjective] + search engine: web, internet, proprietary, defaultVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “search engine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You need to search-engine-optimise your website.
- The data was search-engined for relevant patterns.
American English
- You need to search-engine-optimize your website.
- The system search-engined the entire document corpus.
adjective
British English
- The search-engine results were filtered.
- We analysed the search-engine algorithms.
American English
- The search-engine results were filtered.
- We analyzed the search-engine algorithms.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussions of SEO (Search Engine Optimization), digital marketing, and online visibility.
Academic
Research on information retrieval, algorithms, and the societal impact of technology.
Everyday
Talking about looking up information online, e.g., 'Just Google it.'
Technical
Referring to specific components like crawlers, indexers, ranking algorithms, and query processors.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “search engine”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “search engine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “search engine”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will search engine it' – incorrect). Use 'search for it using a search engine'.
- Misspelling as one word ('searchengine').
- Confusing with 'browser' (Chrome, Firefox) which is the software used to access search engines.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Google is primarily a search engine. Google Chrome is a web browser made by the same company. You use the Chrome browser to access the Google search engine.
A search engine is a type of software designed to search *within* databases (like the internet). A database is an organised collection of data. The search engine's job is to find and retrieve specific data from that collection based on user queries.
No. While the basic principle (crawling, indexing, ranking) is similar, the specific algorithms (maths and logic) for ranking results are proprietary and differ, leading to different results for the same query on different engines.
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It is the practice of improving a website's structure and content to increase its visibility in organic (non-paid) search engine results.
A computer program that searches for and identifies items in a database that correspond to keywords or characters specified by the user, used especially for finding websites on the internet.
Search engine is usually neutral in register.
Search engine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɜːtʃ ˌen.dʒɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɝːtʃ ˌen.dʒɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't be your own search engine (ask for help).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a literal engine (machine) that powers your search, digging through the internet.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A LANDSCAPE TO BE EXPLORED / THE INTERNET IS A LIBRARY AND THE SEARCH ENGINE IS THE LIBRARIAN.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is primarily a search engine?