networking

[ net-wur-king ]
/ ˈnɛtˌwɜr kɪŋ /

noun

a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest: Working mothers in the community use networking to help themselves manage successfully.
the design, establishment, or utilization of a computer network.

adjective

of or relating to a network or networking: networking software, a networking system.

Origin of networking

First recorded in 1935–40; network + -ing1

Definition for networking (2 of 2)

network
[ net-wurk ]
/ ˈnɛtˌwɜrk /

noun

verb (used without object)

to cultivate people who can be helpful to one professionally, especially in finding employment or moving to a higher position: His business lunches were taken up with networking.

verb (used with object)

Origin of network

1550–60; 1910–15 for def 2; net1 + work

historical usage of network

Network is an obvious compound of the nouns net and work. Originally, in the 16th century, it referred to anything made of threads or wires or suchlike in the pattern of intersecting lines or meshes resembling a net.
Through different eras, network developed senses to reflect the modes of human connection prevalent at the time. Network in the sense “natural features forming a chain, as islands, or a man-made system of interconnecting railroads, canals, telegraphs, or telephones” dates from the 19th century. The sense “a system to broadcast radio and television signals by many transmitters over a very wide area” dates from before World War I. The meaning “system of interconnected computers” dates from the 1960s, while the sense of a “group of individuals having a common interest” is earlier, from the 1940s.

OTHER WORDS FROM network

net·work·er, noun non·net·work, adjective sub·net·work, noun su·per·net·work, noun

Example sentences from the Web for networking

British Dictionary definitions for networking (1 of 2)

networking
/ (ˈnɛtˌwɜːkɪŋ) /

noun

computing the interconnection of two or more networks in different places, as in working at home with a link to a central computer in an office
forming business connections and contacts through informal social meetings

adjective

of or for networking networking systems

British Dictionary definitions for networking (2 of 2)

network
/ (ˈnɛtˌwɜːk) /

noun

verb

Medical definitions for networking

network
[ nĕtwûrk′ ]

n.

A fabric or structure in which cords, threads, or wires cross at regular intervals.
A body structure resembling such a fabric or structure.

Scientific definitions for networking

network
[ nĕtwûrk′ ]

A system of computers and peripherals, such as printers, that are linked together. A network can consist of as few as two computers connected with cables or millions of computers that are spread over a large geographical area and are connected by telephone lines, fiberoptic cables, or radio waves. The Internet is an example of very large network. See more at LAN WAN.

Cultural definitions for networking

network

A system of computers that are joined together so that they can communicate by exchanging information and sharing resources. (See Internet and lan.)