Internet & Technology Vocabulary in English

20 essential internet and technology words with meanings, example sentences, and free interactive games — ideal for A2–B1 learners.

Internet and technology vocabulary is some of the most practical English you can learn today. Whether you are sending an email, browsing social media, downloading a file, or setting up a new device, you will encounter these words every single day. For English learners, mastering digital vocabulary opens the door to understanding product instructions, online tutorials, tech news, and real-world conversations with native speakers.

This page covers 20 of the most commonly used internet and technology words in English, pitched at A2 to B1 level. Each word includes a clear definition and a natural example sentence so you can see how it is used in everyday digital contexts.

Many of these words are used internationally with very little change in meaning across languages — app, email, and website, for example, are recognisable worldwide. However, understanding their precise English usage, including how they function as nouns, verbs, or both, will help you communicate more accurately in professional and academic settings.

Once comfortable with this list, explore our Technology and Media & Journalism pages for more advanced digital vocabulary at B2 level.

Essential Internet & Technology Words

WordMeaningExample SentenceLevel
appa software application, especially one designed for mobile devicesI use a language learning app every morning on my commute.A2
bandwidththe amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connectionVideo calls use more bandwidth than simple text messages.B1
bloga regularly updated website where one person or group writes about a topicShe writes a travel blog about her experiences around Europe.A2
browsera software programme used to access and navigate the internetChrome and Firefox are the two most popular web browsers.A2
clickto press a button on a mouse or tap a link on a screenClick the link below to open the registration form.A2
downloadto copy data from the internet or a server to your own deviceIt took only a few seconds to download the app from the store.A2
emailelectronic mail; a message sent digitally from one person to anotherPlease send me an email with the details of the meeting.A2
hashtaga word or phrase preceded by # used to categorise content on social mediaShe added the hashtag #travel to her Instagram post.A2
hyperlinka clickable word or image that takes you to another webpageClick the hyperlink to read the full article on their website.B1
navigateto move around a website or the internet by clicking links and menusThe website is easy to navigate, even for beginners.B1
notificationan automatic alert from an app or website about new activityI turned off my notifications so I could concentrate on studying.A2
onlineconnected to the internet; available or happening via the internetYou can complete the whole application process online.A2
passworda secret word or combination of characters used to access an accountAlways use a strong password that includes numbers and symbols.A2
profilea personal page on a social media or online platform with your informationUpdate your profile picture to make your account look more professional.A2
search enginea website that finds and lists other websites based on keywords you typeGoogle is the world's most widely used search engine.A2
social mediawebsites and apps that allow people to share content and connect with othersMany businesses use social media to reach new customers.A2
streamto watch or listen to media online in real time without downloading it firstWe stream all our TV shows through a subscription service.B1
uploadto transfer a file or data from your device to the internet or a serverShe uploaded her CV to the recruitment website before the deadline.A2
usernamethe name you choose to identify yourself on a website or platformYour username must be unique and cannot contain spaces.A2
websitea set of related web pages located at one address on the internetThe company launched a new website with a modern design.A2

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Related Vocabulary Topics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between download and upload?
Download means copying data from the internet or a remote server to your own device — for example, saving a file or installing an app. Upload means sending data from your device to the internet or a server — for example, posting a photo on Instagram or submitting a document to a website. Think of it as the direction of movement: download comes to you, upload goes away from you.
What is the difference between a website and an app?
A website is accessed through a web browser and works on any device with internet access. An app (application) is a piece of software you download and install on a specific device, typically a smartphone or tablet. Many services offer both — for example, Facebook has a website and a mobile app. Apps often work faster and offer more features than mobile websites.
What does it mean to stream content?
Streaming means watching or listening to media — such as a film, TV show, or song — in real time over the internet without downloading the file to your device first. Services like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube all use streaming technology. You need a stable internet connection to stream smoothly, which is why bandwidth is important.
Why do English learners need internet vocabulary?
Internet vocabulary is essential for everyday life in English-speaking countries and for online study. You will need these words to understand instructions on apps and websites, follow online courses, read tech news, and communicate in digital workplaces. Many of these terms also appear in IELTS and Cambridge English exam reading and listening tasks.
What is the difference between a username and a password?
A username is the name or handle that identifies you publicly on a platform — it may be visible to other users. A password is a secret combination of characters that only you should know, used to prove that you are the account owner. Both are required when you log in, but the username identifies who you are while the password verifies that it really is you.
What does navigate mean in a technology context?
In a technology context, navigate means to move around a website, app, or computer system using clicks, taps, menus, or links. For example: The new website design makes it much easier to navigate. The word comes from sailing (to steer a ship), but it is now widely used for moving through digital environments.
What is the difference between social media and a search engine?
A search engine (like Google) helps you find information and websites by typing keywords. Social media (like Instagram or Twitter) is a platform for sharing content, connecting with people, and following communities. While some social platforms include search functions, their primary purpose is communication and content sharing rather than information retrieval.
What does bandwidth mean in everyday English?
Technically, bandwidth refers to the volume of data that can be sent over an internet connection per second — measured in megabits per second (Mbps). In everyday speech, people use bandwidth informally to mean time or mental capacity: I don't have the bandwidth to take on more work right now. Both meanings are worth knowing at B1 level.
How do hashtags work on social media?
A hashtag is a word or short phrase preceded by the # symbol, used to tag and categorise posts on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. When you click a hashtag, you see all public posts that use the same tag. Hashtags help content reach people who are interested in a topic, even if they do not follow you.
How can I practise internet vocabulary in English?
The best way to practise is to use English versions of apps and websites you already know. Switch your phone or device language to English, read tech news in English, and use LexFizz Flash Cards and Quiz exercises to reinforce the specific words on this list. Keeping a digital vocabulary notebook with screenshots from real websites also works very well.