search term

USAGE SUMMARY

"search term" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to a word or phrase that is used to find information online. For example, "I used the search term 'vegan recipes' to find some delicious ideas for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When you have entered a search term, click Search.

Stanford University

Search for a popular search term.

WikiHow

Number one search term?

The New Yorker

The search term is "MURDER".

The Guardian - Tech

We had it: our search term.

The New York Times - Magazine

Enter a search term above - or browse the datastore.

The Guardian

The two main variables are search term and story length.

The New York Times

search term.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

Identify your search term.

Forbes

"Education" may be a useful search term.

Duke University

"Values" may be a useful search term.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, clearly define the "search term" you expect users to input to avoid ambiguity and improve search accuracy.

Common error

Using excessively general "search terms" can yield irrelevant results. Always aim for specificity to narrow down your search and find the information you need efficiently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "search term" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying the input used in a search operation. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness. It names the element that defines what a search seeks to find, across a range of applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "search term" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that denotes the input for a search query. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and applicable across varied contexts, ranging from academic research and scientific analysis to news reporting and general online guidance. Predominantly found in neutral or professional registers, it describes the core element that guides information retrieval. To enhance search precision, aim for specificity when defining "search terms". Alternatives include "search query", "keyword", or "query term", each adding nuance to the concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search query

Focuses on the structured question submitted to a search engine.

query term

Synonymous, but may imply a more formal or technical context.

search keyword

Combines the specificity of a keyword with the action of searching.

keyword

Emphasizes a single, significant word used for searching.

search string

Highlights the sequence of characters used in a search.

search expression

Highlights the way the search is phrased.

search parameter

Broadens the scope to include any criteria used to refine a search.

indexing term

Focuses on terms used to categorize information for searchability.

search subject

Refers to the theme or topic that someone is trying to locate via search.

topic word

Focuses on the topic for which something is searched.

FAQs

How do I use "search term" in a sentence?

You can use "search term" to describe the word or phrase you enter into a search engine. For example, "The most effective "keyword" for this topic is 'renewable energy'".

What are some alternatives to "search term"?

Some alternatives to "search term" include "search query", "keyword", or "query term", depending on the specific context.

What makes a "search term" effective?

An effective "search term" is specific, relevant, and accurately reflects the information you're seeking. It should avoid ambiguity and focus on the key concepts.

Is there a difference between "search term" and "search query"?

While often used interchangeably, "search term" generally refers to a single word or phrase, while "search query" might involve a more complex or structured question.