wide area network

noun

: a network of computers (such as the Internet) in a large area (such as a country or the globe) for sharing resources or exchanging data

Examples of wide area network in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The system administers a wide area network, offers PC and help desk support and provides delivery services so that materials may be exchanged between member libraries. Angelika Ytuarte, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024 In technology infrastructure, Watson said the district has 1,600 wireless access points; 10 gigabytes of internet bandwidth made up of two 5GB connections at the Technology Staff Development Center and Tomball Memorial High School; and 6GB of wide area network bandwidth. Alvaro Montano, Houston Chronicle, 13 Aug. 2020 This emerging approach combines comprehensive network security functions with WAN (wide area network) capabilities to support the dynamic, secure-access needs of organizations. Barbara Hunt, Forbes, 14 Apr. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wide area network was in 1975

Dictionary Entries Near wide area network

Cite this Entry

“Wide area network.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wide%20area%20network. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on wide area network

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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