B1 noun (suffix) Neutral #16 most common 1 min read

com

/dɒt kɒm/

The suffix '.com' is an abbreviation for 'commercial' used in internet domain names to identify websites. It is the most common top-level domain used globally, primarily by businesses and commercial organizations.

The term '.com' is the universal identifier for commercial websites on the internet.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • A suffix used for commercial website domain names.
  • The most popular top-level domain on the internet.
  • Often associated with the late 1990s business boom.

Summary

The term '.com' is the universal identifier for commercial websites on the internet.

  • A suffix used for commercial website domain names.
  • The most popular top-level domain on the internet.
  • Often associated with the late 1990s business boom.

Use .com for professional websites

If you are starting a business, a .com address is generally preferred because it is the most recognized and trusted format by global users.

Watch for phishing sites

Criminals sometimes create fake websites with similar names to popular .com sites. Always double-check the spelling in your browser's address bar.

Examples

2 of 2
1

I found the information on a popular news website, cnn.com.

2

The company launched its new .com portal yesterday.

Word Family

Noun
dot-com
Verb
N/A
Adjective
commercial

Memory Tip

Think of .com as 'COMmercial'. It is the online home for businesses.

Overview

The term '.com' is a top-level domain (TLD) in the Domain Name System (DNS) of the internet. Originally intended for commercial organizations, it has become the standard suffix for websites worldwide, regardless of their specific commercial nature. 2) Usage Patterns: In digital communication, '.com' is attached to the end of a domain name (e.g., example.com). It acts as a primary identifier for the web address. It is rarely used as a standalone word in speech, except when dictating a website address or referring to the 'dot-com' era of economic history. 3) Common Contexts: You will encounter '.com' in email addresses, website URLs, and marketing materials. It is also used in the phrase 'dot-com bubble,' which refers to the period in the late 1990s when internet-based companies saw massive stock market speculation followed by a crash. 4) Similar Words Comparison: '.com' is often compared to other TLDs like '.org' (organizations), '.edu' (educational institutions), and '.gov' (government agencies). While '.com' is the most popular, these alternatives help users quickly identify the type and purpose of the website they are visiting.

Usage Notes

The term is almost exclusively used as part of a URL. It is pronounced as 'dot com' in spoken English. In professional settings, it is used to describe the nature of a digital business.

Common Mistakes

People sometimes confuse .com with other extensions like .co or .net. Always verify the exact URL before visiting a site. Do not write 'dotcom' as one word unless referring to the industry sector.

Memory Tip

Think of .com as 'COMmercial'. It is the online home for businesses.

Word Origin

The suffix .com is derived from the word 'commercial'. It was one of the original top-level domains established in 1985.

Cultural Context

The term represents the rapid growth of the internet in the late 20th century. It became a symbol of the 'New Economy' during the 1990s.

Examples

1

I found the information on a popular news website, cnn.com.

everyday
2

The company launched its new .com portal yesterday.

formal

Word Family

Noun
dot-com
Verb
N/A
Adjective
commercial

Common Collocations

dot-com bubble
register a .com

Common Phrases

dot-com era

Often Confused With

com vs .net

Originally intended for network-related infrastructure, though now widely used. It is less common than .com.

Grammar Patterns

www.[name].com a .com company the .com domain

Use .com for professional websites

If you are starting a business, a .com address is generally preferred because it is the most recognized and trusted format by global users.

Watch for phishing sites

Criminals sometimes create fake websites with similar names to popular .com sites. Always double-check the spelling in your browser's address bar.

Test Yourself

fill blank

Complete the website address.

You can find our new store at www.fashionworld___

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: .com

'.com' is the standard suffix for commercial retail websites.

Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

3 questions

While it was originally designated for commercial entities, anyone can register a .com domain today. It has become the default choice for personal blogs, portfolios, and non-commercial sites.

A dot-com company is a business that conducts most of its operations through the internet. These companies became very famous during the late 1990s.

Having a .com domain is often seen as more trustworthy by users, which can indirectly help with traffic. However, search engines like Google do not give preferential treatment to .com over other domains.

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