networking
UK[ˈnɛtwəːkɪŋ]US[ˈnɛtˌwɜːrkɪŋ]
n
The process of meeting and talking to people who work in a similar profession or share similar interests to exchange information and develop contacts, especially to further one's career.
n
The action or process of connecting computers or other electronic devices so that they can share information and resources.
Morpheme Breakdown
net
work
ing
net
network
work
function
ing
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'networking' is a modern compound built from two ancient Germanic roots. The first element, 'net', originates from the Proto-Germanic 'natją', describing a woven mesh used for catching or holding things, a concept extending metaphorically to any interconnected system. The second, 'work', stems from Proto-Germanic 'werkan', meaning to do or perform labor. The fusion of these concepts in the mid-20th century first described the interconnection of computers into a functional system (a 'network'). This technological metaphor was then seamlessly applied to human social and professional interactions, where individuals actively ('-ing') build and utilize a web of contacts for mutual benefit, perfectly capturing the literal and figurative logic of constructing a functional web of connections.
Analysis
Structure: net (network) + work (function) + ing (noun suffix)
- net: From Old English 'nett', of Germanic origin, related to Dutch 'net' and German 'Netz'. In this compound, it signifies a structure of interconnected lines or a system of interconnected people or things.
- work: From Old English 'weorc', of Germanic origin. In this compound, it signifies the action, process, or result of functioning or operating.
- ing: A suffix of Germanic origin forming nouns from verbs, indicating an action, process, or result.
Examples
She found her new job through effective networking at the industry conference.
The company invested heavily in upgrading its computer networking infrastructure.
Professional networking sites have transformed how people build their careers.