Domain name
A domain name is a human-readable name used to identify an Internet destination, such as example.com.
- Format
- Domains & DNS
- Updated
- Updated
Domain name Aliases: website address, web address.
Definition
A domain name is a human-readable name used to identify an Internet destination, such as example.com.
How it works
Domain names exist so nobody has to memorize IP addresses. Registering one gives you the right to use it — renewably, under the registry and registrar's rules — and to point it wherever you like. It comes with no website attached: hosting, email, and DNS records are things you add to it.
Example: In www.example.com, example.com is the registrable domain and www is a subdomain label.
Often confused: The domain is the name itself; a URL wraps that name with a protocol, path, and more.
Related terms
Learn more from Bitfoo
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-07-19.