noun

net

neht

noun

A mesh of woven cord, string, or rope used for catching or trapping things, or as a barrier.

"The fisherman cast his net into the harbor."

"She jumped and the ball flew straight into the net."

The remaining amount after all deductions, as opposed to the gross total.

"After taxes, her net pay was much lower than her salary suggested."

Short for "the internet," a global computer network.

"He spent the afternoon browsing the net."

verb

To catch something with a net, or to gain a certain amount as a final profit.

"The company netted a tidy profit last quarter."

"They netted several rare butterflies for the study."

adj

Remaining after all relevant deductions; final and complete.

"The net effect of the policy was a small increase in prices."

How to Use Net

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA mesh used for catching or dividing things, the internet in short form, or the final amount left after deductions.

Common mistake

Don't confuse "net" (after deductions) with "gross" (before deductions) — net pay is always less than gross pay.

Easily confused with

gross →

Common pairings

net profit net worth surf the net safety net

netted past tense, netted past tense, netted past tense, nets plural, nets plural, nets singular, nets singular, nets singular

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Test yourself on “net” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Can you complete this real example?

The fisherman cast his _____ into the harbor.

From Old English net, nett, going back to a very old root meaning "to knot, turn, or twist."

mesh network trap

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mesh network trap mouth vagina