Glossary of Domain Terms: The Ultimate Guide

Key takeaways: 

• Understanding domain terms empowers you to confidently navigate the online world and make smart choices for your website. You gain better control over your online presence when you know what each part of your domain does. 
• Your domain name acts like your website’s easy-to-remember address, while its “name servers” and “IP addresses” work behind the scenes to direct visitors to your content. These elements collaborate to connect your website with internet users. 
• Protecting your domain is important, and security features like “domain locking” and “domain privacy protection” help safeguard your website from unauthorized changes or data exposure. Always prioritize these protective measures to secure your digital brand. 

In creating a website, it’s important to understand domain-related terminologies. Terms like “domain registrar,” “name server,” and “IP address” can sound complex. However, learning these terms will help you be more confident as you start your online journey.   

This guide will break down the key domain terms you’ll come across and help you understand how each terminology fits into the bigger domain picture.   

A glossary of domain terms 

Getting familiar with the world of domains empowers you to make well-informed decisions for your website. We’ve listed domain terminologies below to help you get started. 

• A record 
• Auto-renewal 
• Backorder 
• Bandwidth 
• Brandable domains 
• Cache 
• Catch-all email 
• CMS 
• CNAME record 
• Country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) 
• Dedicated hosting 
• DNS propagation 
• Domain appraisal
• Domain broker 
• Domain flipping 
• Domain forwarding 
• Domain locking 
• Domain name 
• Domain name system (DNS) 
• Domain name system security extensions (DNSSEC) 
• Domain parking 
• Domain privacy protection 
• Domain registrar 
• Domain renewal 
• Domain resellers 
• Domain transfer 
• DoS attack 
• Expiration date 
• Expired domain 
• Generic top-level domains (gTLDs) 
• Hosting provider 
• HTML 
• HTTPS 
• IANA 
• ICANN 
• IP address 
• ISP 
• Log file 
• MX record 
• Name server 
• New top-level domains (nTLDs) 
• Pending transfer 
• Premium domain 
• Proxy server 
• Redemption period 
• Registrant 
• Reverse DNS 
• Search engine optimization (SEO) 
• Second-level domains 
• Secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate 
• Shared hosting 
• Subdomain 
• Time to live (TTL) 
• TLD Registry vs. Registrar 
• Top-level domains (TLDs) 
• Transport layer security (TLS) 
• Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) 
• Uniform resource locator (URL) 
• Virtual private server (VPS) hosting 
• Webmail 
• Webmaster 
• Webpage 
• Web hosting 
• WHOIS 

So, why are these domain terms important? Let’s explore each one. 

A 

A record  

An A record or an Address record is a kind of DNS record that translates a domain name into its corresponding IP address. It enables your browser to connect to the correct web server when you search a website’s domain name.  

Auto-renewal  

Auto-renewal is a service some domain registrars offer that automatically renews your domain or hosting plan before it expires.

Paying a little extra for auto-renewal is ideal to maintain continuity and avoid unintentional lapses that can expose your domain to third parties.   

B 

Backorder  

A backorder is a service that allows you to hold on to a domain that’s already taken. Once it becomes available, the backorder service attempts to secure it for you.  

Bandwidth  

Bandwidth is the amount of data a network can transfer between site visitors and servers over a specific time frame. It impacts the maximum amount of traffic your website can manage.

When your bandwidth is high, a lot of people can quickly access your pages without lagging or crashing. 

Brandable domains 

Brandable domains are distinctive and memorable names companies use to build their brand identity online. These domains don’t typically describe the products or services the businesses offer. 

Instead, they’re more creative and meaningful to strengthen brand awareness and recognition in the marketplace. Examples of brandable domains are www.google.com and www.apple.com. 

C 

Cache  

A cache is a component that temporarily saves data for a website, forms, or any available media. It makes it faster to retrieve information for frequently accessed data. 

Catch-all email 

The catch-all email feature prevents emails intended for a specific domain from bouncing back when sent to misspelled or non-existent addresses. When enabled, this setting redirects all those emails to a designated inbox that the domain owner chooses. 

CMS  

The content management system (CMS) is a web application or software that manages digital content. This application allows multiple contributors to create, edit, and publish content from a single dashboard.   

CNAME record  

A canonical name (CNAME) record is a DNS record that enables you to point multiple alias names to a canonical domain name. For instance, your main website is “xample.com, but you want to use www.example.com as another way for people to visit your site. 

Instead of creating a whole new website, you can set a CNAME record to make www.example.com point directly to example.com.  

Country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs)  

Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) are domain extensions assigned to individual countries or territories. Some examples include: 

• .us for the United States 
• .in for India 
• .uk for the United Kingdom 
• .au for Australia 
• .ca for Canada 

These top-level domains (TLDs) are particularly valuable for corporations, associations, or individuals who are focused on a specific national or regional audience.  

D 

Dedicated hosting  

Dedicated hosting refers to a kind of web hosting that allocates an entire server to one single user or organization. This means that all the server’s resources are exclusively available to that user alone. 

DNS propagation  

DNS propagation refers to how long it takes for domain name system changes (such as an updated name server or new IP address) to propagate globally across the internet. Typical propagation time may take up to 48 hours.   

Domain appraisal  

Domain appraisal determines the accurate price for a domain. Domain prices depend on many factors, such as naming, market trends, brandability, and more.  

Domain broker  

A domain broker is a person who facilitates domain name sales at price rates that match their market value. They act as the middlemen between the buyers and sellers, handling transactions and ensuring that both parties get the best possible outcome.  

Domain flipping  

Domain flipping is the process of selling domains for profit. Investment strategies include purchasing domains from well-known platforms or reputable independent sellers since the buyer anticipates them to appreciate in the future.   

Another option is purchasing average or low-quality domains and enhancing them by means of search engine optimization (SEO) and other similar methods. By doing so, their profit potential can be improved prior to selling.  

Domain forwarding  

Domain forwarding is a feature that redirects website traffic from one domain to another.

For instance, when you own multiple domain extensions, such as example.net and example.org, you can utilize domain forwarding to redirect all traffic to a single site, like example.com. 

Domain locking 

A domain lock or registrar lock is a security feature that prevents unauthorized registrar transfers or changes to your domain settings. Domain registrars offer this feature to help protect users’ domains from malicious actors or accidental human errors. 

Domain name  

A domain name is a human-readable address that users type into browsers to visit websites. It’s a more convenient way for users to search the internet as opposed to using numerical IP addresses.  

Domain name system (DNS)  

The DNS interprets human-friendly domain names (e.g., example.com) into IP addresses (e.g., 192.0.2.1), which computers use to search and connect with each other on the web. The DNS allows users to access websites with simple domain names instead of complex IP addresses. 

Domain name system security extensions (DNSSEC)  

A security technique called DNSSEC adds cryptographic signatures to DNS data to safeguard the DNS.

This keeps users from being redirected to malicious websites by preventing specific cyberattacks like DNS spoofing and cache poisoning and guarantees that users are connected to the actual page they are meant to visit. 

DNSSEC improves internet security by confirming the integrity and authenticity of domain name system answers.  

Domain parking  

Domain parking involves registering a domain without connecting it to a website. Parked domains, which may show advertisements or a placeholder page, are frequently used to reserve a domain for later use or as part of a domain investment strategy. 

Domain privacy protection  

Domain privacy protection is a security feature that protects your personal information in the public WHOIS database. When you purchase this add-on service, the registrar replaces your information with theirs. 

Domain privacy protection prevents potential cyberattacks such as spam, unauthorized contact, and identity theft. 

Domain registrar  

A domain registrar is an ICANN-accredited company that handles domain registrations for registrants. It checks whether your preferred domain name is available and registers it for you. Registrars also maintain your domain’s information in the WHOIS database. 

Additionally, registrars like Network Solutions offer other domain-related services, such as renewals and DNS management. 

Domain renewal  

Domain renewal refers to extending your domain registration with a registrar. If you don’t renew your registration, your domain expires, and after a grace period, the registrar releases it back to the public for anyone to register. 

Domain resellers  

Businesses or individuals with permission to sell domain name registrations on behalf of a domain registrar are known as domain resellers. They also offer domain registration services, frequently in conjunction with hosting or website development tools. 

Domain transfer 

A domain transfer refers to moving a domain name from one registrar to another. During a domain transfer, the owner’s information and control of the domain are switched to the new registrar, but the domain and website content remain the same. 

DoS attack  

Denial-of-service is a malicious attempt to overwhelm a web property with traffic to disrupt its normal operations. This attack is typically launched using a single computer. 

E 

Expiration date  

A domain name’s expiration date is when its registration term ends. Without domain renewal, your domain will be available for others to register. It would be best for you to secure domain expiration protection to safeguard your domain for a set period.  

Expired domain  

An expired or expiring domain is a previously registered domain that has not been renewed in time by its owner or a domain that has been terminated.  

G 

Generic top-level domains (gTLDs)  

Generic top-level domains (gTLDs) are the most widely used and recognized domain extensions on the web. They are open to anyone because they are not associated with any specific country or region.   

H 

Hosting provider  

A hosting provider is a company that leases you the infrastructure and services to store your website files so users can access it online. Upon visiting your domain, users are actually connecting to the hosting provider’s servers to access your website’s content.  

HTML  

Web pages are made using a programming language called Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). The foundation of the HTML syntax is a collection of elements that specify a page’s format and content.

An HTML document is read by a web browser, which then presents it according to the HTML formatting tags.  

HTTPS  

Encrypting data between a user’s browser and a website, hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS) is a secure variant of HTTP that guards against intercepting sensitive data. SSL/TLS guarantees website validity, data integrity, and privacy.  

I 

IANA  

The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) is an organization that manages various Internet protocol parameters, including: 

• Global IP address allocation 
• DNS root zone management 
• Other Internet protocol resources  

ICANN  

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a non-profit organization that manages domain names registered worldwide.

Through DNS management, ICANN guarantees that every domain name is distinct and promotes safe internet access everywhere.  

IP address  

An IP address is a random string of numbers (like 192.0.2.1) that labels devices connected to the same computer network. It enables these devices to locate and communicate with each other. 

On the internet, domains are linked to IP addresses through the DNS.  

ISP  

An Internet service provider (ISP) is a business that offers data exchange methods for Internet access (from cable modem broadband service to dedicated T1/T3 lines, from 5G home internet services to DSL).

ISPs may offer site hosting, email accounts, and other services. Internet access providers, or IAPs, are another name for ISPs.  

L 

Log file  

Log files are used to record events or activities that occur within a computer system, application or program. It contains information about usage, activities, and operating system, server, or device operations.   

M 

MX record  

A mail exchange record (MX) is a domain name system record that directs email to the correct mail server for a domain. Without it, the emails intended for that domain will not reach the server.  

N 

Name server  

Name servers are DNS servers that allow domains to be connected to IP addresses and store domain name system information. They assist in directing users to the appropriate location on the internet.  

New top-level domains (nTLDs)  

These new domain extensions were presented to offer businesses, individuals, and associations a more specific set of options beyond the traditional TLDs.

Some of the new top-level domains include industry-specific or descriptive options such as .blog, .tech, .store, .design, and many more.  

P 

Pending transfer  

Pending transfer refers to the process of a domain awaiting transfer from one registrar to a new registrar.  

Premium domain  

A premium domain name usually drives more traffic and is worth more than a regular one. Companies create premium domains by incorporating popular terms or phrases into their domain names.  

Proxy server  

A proxy server is a system that provides a gateway between users and the Internet and prevents cyber attackers from entering a network. They act as additional data security boundaries that shield users from any malicious internet activity.   

R 

Redemption period  

The redemption period is a grace period for an owner to recover their domain after it expires. Renewing a domain during the redemption period requires a redemption fee plus the regular renewal rate. Prices can vary depending on the registrar. 

Registrars offer this period, which typically lasts 30 days, to give the owner a chance to reclaim their domain before releasing it to the public. 

Registrant  

The registrant refers to the person, company, or other entity that owns the domain name. An individual or company becomes a registrant after purchasing a domain name. 

Reverse DNS 

Reverse DNS or reverse DNS lookup is a process that translates IP addresses into their associated domain names.

The DNS server checks its Pointer records (PTR records) to find the corresponding domain name for the requested IP address. Once found, the DNS server returns this result to the DNS resolver. 

S 

Search engine optimization (SEO)  

Increasing a website’s exposure in search engine results is known as search engine optimization or SEO. SEO helps increase organic traffic by optimizing technical elements, content, and keywords, which makes the site easier for visitors to find.  

Second-level domains  

Second-level domains are part of your domain name, giving your website its unique address. They’re placed on the left of your domain name, followed by a TLD.  For instance, in the domain example.com, “example” is your second-level domain.   

Secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate 

The SSL certificate encrypts data between the user’s browser and your web server, concealing sensitive information from cyberattacks. Websites with SSL show a padlock icon and use “https://” in the URL; those without SSL certificates use “http://”.  

Shared hosting  

Shared hosting is a type of web hosting where multiple websites are hosted on the same server. The websites that connect to the server share the available resources, which include CPU, memory, and bandwidth.   

Subdomain  

A subdomain or a third-level domain is a prefix you can add to your primary domain name to create separate sections of your website. This is ideal if you want to set up different environments for various purposes without needing to build individual websites. 

For instance, if you want a blog section, you can have “blog.example.com” for your site, “example.com.”  

T 

Time to live (TTL) 

TTL refers to how long DNS servers should cache DNS records, such as an IP address for a domain. After the TTL expires, the DNS resolver must query the authoritative DNS server for a fresh copy of the record. 

TLD Registry vs. Registrar 

A TLD registry maintains the database of all registered domain names within a specific TLD. Meanwhile, a registrar sells and processes domain registrations for businesses, individuals, and organizations (registrants). 

The former also handles pricing and registration rules for domains under their TLD. An example of a TLD registry is Verisign, which manages TLDs like .com and .net. 

Top-level domains (TLDs)   

A top-level domain (TLD) or domain extension refers to the suffix at the end of a domain name, like .com, .net, or .org. A TLD helps indicate a website’s purpose or region to inform visitors and search engines what the site is about.   

Transport layer security (TLS)   

TLS is a digital certificate that protects information sent between a user’s browser and the server of a website. TLS certificates are more secure and updated versions of SSL, which is why they’re commonly referred to as “SSL certificates.” 

U 

Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) 

The UDRP is a set of procedures for resolving trademark disputes over domain names. ICANN established this policy to offer domain owners a more efficient alternative to address cybersquatting as opposed to going to court. 

Uniform resource locator (URL)   

A URL is the entire web address, including the protocol, domain, and any extra path or query parameters. It points visitors to a particular page or file on a website.   

V 

Virtual private server (VPS) hosting  

VPS hosting is a service that uses virtualization technology to provide you with private resources on a server with multiple users.   

W 

Webmail   

Without the need for an email program, users may send, receive, and manage emails online with webmail, an email service that can be accessed straight from a web browser. Examples include Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Outlook.com.   

Webmaster  

A webmaster refers to a person who develops and manages the content and organization of a website. A webmaster also manages the website’s computer server and technical programming aspects.   

Webpage  

A webpage is a document written in hypertext and viewed in a web browser. Most web pages include text, photos or videos, and links.   

Web hosting  

Web hosting keeps website files on servers to be accessed online. Web hosting companies provide a range of solutions to accommodate diverse website needs.  

WHOIS   

WHOIS is a directory that contains contact information and other details about domain owners. These details can be hidden by privacy protection services to stop unsolicited calls or spam. It is also used to register domain names and track domain ownership.  

Enter the world of domains with confidence 

Understanding domain terminology is important in building a strong foundation for your online presence.

Familiarizing yourself with these specific terms will help you make well-informed decisions in securing your site, building your confidence, and maximizing your control over your brand’s identity.   

Let’s bring your online vision to life by taking the first step. Register your domain name with Network Solutions.

If you’re still deciding what name to go with, this guide on choosing the right domain name for your business offers helpful tips on picking a name that’s clear, relevant, and easy to remember. 

Frequently asked questions