url

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "url" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in the context of web addresses.
You can use it when referring to a specific web link or resource on the internet. Example: "Please visit the following url to access the document: www.example.com/document."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The search saves the original URL so the source can be accessed later and students can search the entire web, not just what's already on Pinterest.

The Guardian

We are also starved of quality independent journalism here, and our establishment could certainly do with some proper scrutiny... Kath Viner replies:  @LondonKiwi - Our focus is very much on Australia to start with, but we'll certainly be looking over the pond more than before... Phlanger says: Great initiative - but get your own url.

The Guardian

An ad displaying a humble domain name already feels like an archaic marketing method, the equivalent of shouting your URL at someone out of the window of a moving car.

The Guardian - Film

Cameron Diaz's forthcoming comedy Sex Tape couldn't have the obvious URL so the official site is at TheyForgotToDeleteIt.com (which redirects to the film's Facebook page).

The Guardian - Film

If you know it, try using the website's numerical address rather than its verbose URL (Universal Resource Locator) name.

The Economist

Because it can be confusing to read about a site for bloggers named "Blogger", most people still refer to it by the name in the platform's URL: blogspot.

The Economist

The EFF says over 1m browsers have the plug-in installed.When connecting to any site in the list, Firefox and Chrome with HTTPS Everywhere installed rewrite an unencrypted URL reference to the appropriate protected equivalent, which may involve a slightly different host name (the part of URL before the domain name).

The Economist

(A URL, or Uniform Resource Locator, more specifically identifies how to retrieve a URI via a network by specifying a protocol, like http for the web, and the domain name or server name on which the resource is located).A few months later, Mr Berners-Lee had cobbled together a working web browser and server, and could view webpages.

The Economist

And we pledge that wild cookies shall not drag from us the name, let alone URL, of the software oracle who, opting for the Boswell were he to win, added that he "wouldn't know what to do" with a PlayStation.

The Economist

They said they would stop paying for the upkeep of the site (it once claimed to be "the original url shortener").

The Economist

See also URL.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When including a "url" in written content, consider using a hyperlink to make it easily accessible to the reader. Ensure the link is properly formatted and directs to the intended destination.

Common error

Avoid sharing shortened or obfuscated "url"s without verifying their destination. This can protect users from phishing or malicious websites. Always check where a shortened link leads before sharing it.

Linguistic Context

The term "url" functions as a noun, specifically an initialism, that refers to the address of a resource on the internet. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly when referencing web addresses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "url", an initialism for Uniform Resource Locator, is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a web address. It is frequently used in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its broad usability, while suggesting alternatives like "web address" or "link" for clarity in more general contexts. When writing, ensure "url"s are correctly formatted and consider using hyperlinks for easy access. Avoid sharing potentially harmful shortened links. Overall, "url" is a versatile term for online addresses, best used with attention to context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Link

This alternative is a short and simple term for a "url".

Web address

This alternative is a more common and easily understood term for "url", suitable for general audiences.

Website link

This alternative specifies that the "url" leads to a website.

Internet address

This alternative broadens the scope to any address on the internet, not just web pages.

Hyperlink

This alternative refers to the clickable element that directs users to the "url".

Webpage locator

This alternative describes the function of a "url" in locating a webpage.

Online resource locator

This alternative emphasizes that the "url" points to a resource available online.

Domain name

This alternative refers to the human-readable part of the "url".

Uniform resource identifier

This alternative is a more technical term that encompasses "url"s.

Network address

This alternative refers to the address of a resource on a network.

FAQs

How to use "url" in a sentence?

You can use "url" to refer to a web address, such as, "Please visit the following "url" to access the document."

What can I say instead of "url"?

You can use alternatives like "web address", "website link", or simply "link" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "url" or "web address"?

"Url" is an initialism for Uniform Resource Locator, while "web address" is a more descriptive term. Both are correct, but "web address" may be more easily understood by a general audience.

What's the difference between "url" and "domain name"?

A "domain name" is part of a "url". The "url" is the complete address of a resource, while the "domain name" identifies the website.