net
13 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
nets
plural
nets
Britannica Dictionary definition of NET
1
a
[count]
:
a device that is used for catching or holding things or for keeping things out of a space and that is made of pieces of string, rope, wire, etc., woven together with spaces in between
— often used figuratively
—
see picture at fishing;
see also mosquito net, safety net
-
He caught a fish in the net.
-
a butterfly net
-
They were caught in a net [=web] of deception.
2
[count]
sports
a
:
a net that is hung across the middle of a playing area in some games (such as tennis, badminton, or volleyball)
-
The ball barely went over the net.
b
:
a net that is attached to a frame and that is used as the goal in some games (such as soccer, hockey, or basketball)
-
He shot the puck into the net.
-
The ball swished through the net.
3
the Net
:
the Internet
-
She likes to surf the Net. [=the Web]
-
doing business on the Net
cast/spread your net wide
:
to try many different things so that you will have the best chance of finding what you want
-
Companies are casting their nets wide in search of young, talented employees.
slip/fall through the net
:
to fail to be noticed or included with others
-
There are plenty of talented players who slip through the net and never get to play professionally.
—
compare 5net
2
net
/ˈnɛt/
verb
nets;
netted;
netting
2
net
/ˈnɛt/
verb
nets;
netted;
netting
Britannica Dictionary definition of NET
[+ object]
1
:
to catch (something) in a net
— often used figuratively
-
We netted nine fish during the trip.
-
The escaped convict was netted by police.
2
sports
a
:
to hit (a ball) into the net during a game (such as tennis)
-
She netted her first two serves.
b
:
to score (a goal or point) by hitting, kicking, or shooting a ball or puck into a net
-
He netted two goals in his first game.
-
She netted 15 points in the first half.
—
compare 4net
3
net
adjective
also British
nett
/ˈnɛt/
3
net
adjective
also British
nett
/ˈnɛt/
Britannica Dictionary definition of NET
always used before a noun
1
— used to describe the amount or value of something after all costs and expenses have been taken away
—
compare 1gross
-
They determined the net value of the estate.
-
The company suffered a decline in net profit for the third quarter.
-
a billionaire's net worth
2
— used to describe the weight of something without its packaging or container
-
the net weight of the shipment
3
:
after everything is completed
-
The net result/outcome/effect of the new bridge will be fewer traffic jams.
4
net
/ˈnɛt/
verb
nets;
netted;
netting
4
net
/ˈnɛt/
verb
nets;
netted;
netting
Britannica Dictionary definition of NET
[+ object]
1
2
:
to produce or get (something) as the result of an effort
-
The investigation netted no clues.
-
The running back netted 20 yards on his first run.
—
compare 2net
