1 web | Definition of web

web

noun
\ ˈweb How to pronounce web (audio) \

Definition of web

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a fabric on a loom or in process of being removed from a loom
b : a network of silken thread spun especially by the larvae of various insects (such as a tent caterpillar) and usually serving as a nest or shelter
3 : a tissue or membrane of an animal or plant especially : that uniting fingers or toes either at their bases (as in humans) or for a greater part of their length (as in many waterbirds)
4a : a thin metal sheet, plate, or strip
b : the plate connecting the upper and lower flanges of a girder or rail
c : the arm of a crank
5 : something resembling a web:
a : snare, entanglement a web of intrigue ensnarled in a web of folly— D. A. Stockman
b : an intricate pattern or structure suggestive of something woven : network
6 : the series of barbs on each side of the shaft of a feather : vane
7a : a continuous sheet of paper manufactured or undergoing manufacture on a paper machine
b : a roll of paper for use in a rotary printing press
8 : the part of a ribbed vault between the ribs
9 or Web : world wide web

web

verb
webbed; webbing

Definition of web (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to construct or form a web

transitive verb

1 : to cover with a web or network
3 : to provide with a web

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Other Words from web

Noun

webbed \ ˈwebd How to pronounce webbed (audio) \ adjective
weblike \ ˈweb-​ˌlÄ«k How to pronounce weblike (audio) \ adjective

Examples of web in a Sentence

Noun

I spent the afternoon surfing the Web. The spider was spinning its web.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster ordered residents in coastal areas to flee before Dorian arrives, according to state web sites. Brian K. Sullivan, Fortune, "Hurricane Dorian Bears Down on Eastern Seaboard After Inflicting ‘Historic Tragedy’ on the Bahamas," 3 Sep. 2019 Officials said the 14th Street NW house, which the Zillow real estate web site says has seven bedrooms, is approved for a single family. Washington Post, "Housing inspector under scrutiny after officials says another rooming house case mishandled," 31 Aug. 2019 The organization of many dark web sites mimics eBay. Elise Schmelzer, The Denver Post, "Drugs, guns and murder for hire: Meet the Coloradans leading the world’s criminal investigations into the dark web," 31 Aug. 2019 Plaza del Rey touts a number of amenities, according to the web site for the complex. George Avalos, The Mercury News, "Big Sunnyvale mobile home park is bought by Chicago investors," 30 Aug. 2019 One of the first great web sites, Suck, was a rogue operation run out of the magazine’s server rooms behind the editors’ backs. Wired, "Why Wired.com Looks Different Today," 28 Aug. 2019 Papa John's has tried to put the Schnatter scandal behind it by removing his face and other imagery from its pizza boxes, web site and restaurants. Paul R. La Monica, CNN, "Papa John's names head of Arby's as new CEO," 27 Aug. 2019 Ticket information for both dinners can be found on the Touchdown Club of Houston's web site. Adam Coleman, Houston Chronicle, "Touchdown Club of Houston releases preseason UIL, private school teams," 6 Aug. 2019 The company posted detailed closure plans to its web site Friday for coal ash ponds at five plants in Alabama, providing greater details than were previously available about the closure process. Dennis Pillion | Dpillion@al.com, al.com, "Alabama Power sticks to plan to cover coal ash ponds, despite concerns," 12 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Vernon Bailey, who web archives show was initially listed as the chief executive on the Veterans Services’ site, was described as its treasurer as recently as Aug. 1. Steve Thompson, Washington Post, "The little firm that got a big chunk of D.C.’s lottery and sports gambling contract has no employees.," 28 Aug. 2019 One idea has been that the information, which is publicly available to web developers and others, will fuel an app that helps people find empty parking spaces. San Diego Union-Tribune, "San Diego Police Department ramps up use of streetlamp video cameras, ACLU raises surveillance concerns," 5 Aug. 2019 Using plywood and lumber, firefighters build supports and webbing to hold up the sides of the trench, and access patients through ladders and safety ropes. Jaclyn Cosgrove, latimes.com, "Trench collapse kills worker in Encino," 3 July 2019 Whereas bird and insect wings are quite stiff, similar to airplanes, bats have webbed hands with multiple joints, and the webbing is muscular. Jonathon Keats, Discover Magazine, "The Origins of Flight, From Birds to Bugs to Planes," 21 June 2019 The small spiderlike pests suck the juices from the underside of the tomato foliage to the point that the leaves fade and look dusty, and eventually there will be webs visible. Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, "How to stop the bugs eating your tomatoes, peaches," 21 June 2019 As expected, Adobe itself got into the game with Adobe XD, specifically tailored to web and mobile designers. Khe Hy, Quartz at Work, "Five “creator” apps that have captured Silicon Valley’s attention," 19 June 2019 The other main types of sofa suspension are webbing and sinuous-springs. Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, "Everything You Need to Know About 8-Way Hand-Tied Sofas," 5 Jan. 2019 Each of its shows received fresh rounds of attention from the viewing public due to the sheer novelty that Netflix shows — which, at the time, still seemed more akin to web series rather than accomplished television — were actually good. Bryan Bishop, The Verge, "AT&T plans to expand HBO, but could destroy it in the process," 11 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'web.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of web

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1604, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

History and Etymology for web

Noun

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old Norse vefr web, Old English wefan to weave

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More Definitions for web

web

noun