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.
Below, 13 members of Forbes Agency Council share their top public relations tips to help brands increase their visibility and credibility in today’s rapidly evolving search engine landscape. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 The robust results quelled investors fears that the search engine giant’s artificial intelligence strategy is flailing compared with peers, particularly as chatbots such as OpenAI and Perplexity compete in the growing online search market. Pia Singh, CNBC, 24 July 2025 The mesh Alaia ballet flats — fashion search engine Lyst’s hottest product at the end of 2024 — are almost see-through, much to some fashionistas’ delight and others’ chagrin. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 24 July 2025 Many publishers depend on the search engine for traffic when news breaks. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 22 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Search engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/search%20engine. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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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