social networking

noun

: the creation and maintenance of personal and business relationships especially online

Examples of social networking 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 merging SpaceX with xAI in February, Musk combined his AI and social networking business with his rocket launch company, which also owns the Starlink satellite internet service. — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 The Senate’s bill does not cover email, private messaging apps that do not have public or group features, school platforms, news websites, or online gaming platforms focused on gaming and not social networking. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 14 Oct. 2026 Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok function as both social networking platforms and spaces for political networking and activism. — Sindhu Bhaskar, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026 Jezer-Morton’s work is well researched and thoughtful, exploring the often negative influence of social networking sites on human behavior. — Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for social networking

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of social networking was in 1998

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Social networking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20networking. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

social networking

noun
: the creation and maintenance of personal and business relationships especially online
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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