search engine

noun

: computer software used to search data (such as text or a database) for specified information
also : a site on the World Wide Web that uses such software to locate key words in other sites

Examples of search engine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In response, Google has also started adding its own AI to its search engine. David Nield, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024 Kayak, a travel search engine, shared data with Condé Nast Traveller UK that showed flights are typically more affordable early in the day or late at night. Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2024 Rather than a machete, Auld-Thomas armed himself with a search engine. Anna Lagos, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024 The release could have implications for Google as the dominant search engine. Hayden Field, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for search engine 

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of search engine was in 1984

Dictionary Entries Near search engine

Cite this Entry

“Search engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/search%20engine. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

search engine

noun
: computer software used to search data (as text or a database) for specified information
also : a website that uses such software

More from Merriam-Webster on search engine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!