What does website mean?
A website is a location on the World Wide Web where related information and media can be accessed through a web address. It may consist of a single page or, more commonly, a collection of linked pages organized around a particular subject, organization, or purpose. People use websites for news, commerce, education, entertainment, personal expression, and many other activities. The word is also used informally as a verb, as in the phrase “they website their work,” meaning that they create or maintain a website. In everyday use, “site” is often a shorter and equally natural substitute when the online context is clear. Although web addresses are technically part of the World Wide Web, “website” has become the general everyday term for an online destination. The word reflects the ordinary idea of a place on the web, combining the network itself with the older sense of a site as a location or position.
A site on the World Wide Web containing related information, media, or functions and accessed through a web address.
"Their website provides information about services and opening hours."
Usually countable; the standard plural is websites.
To create, design, publish, or maintain a website.
"The musicians website their releases and tour information."
Informal and less usual in formal writing.
The standard plural is websites, written as one word.
"Several local businesses have simple websites."
It turned the boundless web into a place: a website is where the internet puts a name, an address, and a purpose.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of website
Website is a compound of web and site. The element web originally referred to woven material and a spider's silk before being applied metaphorically to the interconnected structure of the World Wide Web; site comes through French from Latin situs, meaning a place or position. The compound developed as the public web became established, and the one-word form became standard in general use.
Related word forms
How website is actually used
As a noun, website is countable and commonly takes a plural. As a verb, it is informal and is less common in formal writing than alternatives such as publish a website or maintain a website.
Easily confused with website
A website is a site or collection of pages on the web, while a webpage is one individual page within it.