B1noun 1K

Net

UK /["/net/"]/ US /["/net/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

material that is made of string, thread or wire twisted or tied together, with small spaces in between; a piece of this material used for a particular purpose

Listen to definition

In simple words: A net is a material made of threads or cords that catch or hold things.

Examples

• The fisherman cast his net into the sea hoping for a good catch.
• The athlete's final time was under ten seconds, earning him a new personal net record.
• We need to put a net around the garden to keep the birds away.
• After reviewing all expenses, the company's net profit was higher than expected.
• The volleyball game was exciting, and the players frequently jumped over the net.
• To calculate the net weight, you need to subtract the weight of the packaging.
• She used a fishing net to catch the fish swimming near the shore.
• In accounting, net assets are calculated by subtracting liabilities from total assets.
• The singer's last album brought in a net gain of followers on social media.
• The children had fun playing in the backyard with a large net for games.

Usage notes

Used to refer to fishing nets, sports nets, and any mesh fabric that catches or traps. Avoid in formal writing unless describing specific types of nets.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'net' catching fish, like a safety net below a tightrope.

Collocations

• fine
• fine-mesh
• safety
• mend
• cast
• spread
• in a/​the net
• into a/​the net
• over the net
• fine
• fine-mesh
• safety
• mend
• cast
• spread
• in a/​the net
• into a/​the net
• over the net
• fine
• fine-mesh
• safety
• mend
• cast
• spread
• in a/​the net
• into a/​the net
• over the net

Synonyms

• mesh
• netting
• screen
• trap

Antonyms

• hole
• gap
• void

Common mistakes

• Confuse with 'net income', which refers specifically to money.
• Use the plural form incorrectly when referring to a single object (e.g., 'nets' instead of 'net').