net

net · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An open-meshed fabric made of twine, cord, or thread, used for catching fish, birds, or other things.

  2. 2.

    To catch in or with a net.

  3. 3.

    Remaining after all deductions; final amount after subtracting costs, taxes, etc.

  4. 4.

    A structure of netting used in sports to divide a court or catch balls.

  5. 5.

    To gain or earn (an amount) as clear profit.

  6. 6.

    (the Net) The Internet.

Forms

plural: nets

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    net worth — the total value of assets minus liabilities
  • •
    safety net — something that provides security against misfortune
  • •
    cast a wide net — to consider many options
  • •
    slip through the net — to escape notice or capture
  • •
    the Net — short for the Internet

Related words

Antonyms: gross
See also: gross, internet, network, web
Synonyms: mesh, netting, web

Etymology

From Old English nett, from Proto-Germanic natją. Related to Latin nodus ("knot"). The financial sense of "remaining after deductions" comes from a different origin, from French net ("clean, clear").