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
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Due to intense competition, search engine optimization (SEO) sometimes feels like an endless uphill battle. Nick Zviadadze, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 Overall, sportswear had a 25 percent increase in spring 2025, compared to spring 2024, according to fashion search engine Tagwalk. Lily Templeton, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024 Investigators were alerted to the pair when Cox Jr. uploaded images of abuse to a search engine, looking for more. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024 These give them an advantage in reaching top spots on search engine results pages (SERPs). Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 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 22 Dec. 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
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