Glossary Term

DOMAIN NAME

The human-readable address people type to reach your site, like example.com, mapped to a server by DNS.

Definition

A domain name is the human-readable address of a website, such as example.com, that people type instead of remembering a numeric IP address like 192.0.2.1 or an IPv6 equivalent. Behind the scenes, DNS (the Domain Name System) translates the domain into the IP address of the server that hosts the site, using a hierarchy of resolvers and authoritative nameservers that typically respond in under a second. You register a domain through an accredited registrar for an annual fee, commonly about 10 to 20 USD a year for a .com, though prices vary by extension and can rise sharply on renewal. Registration is separate from hosting: the domain is your address, hosting is where the site's files and databases actually live, and the two can sit with different companies. A domain has parts: the top-level domain (.com, .org), the second-level name (example), and optional subdomains (blog.example.com), each resolvable independently.

How it works

Computers find each other by IP address, but IP addresses are hard to remember, so a domain name acts as a friendly alias. When you enter it, DNS looks up which server holds the site and connects you. You lease a domain from a registrar on a yearly basis, then point its DNS records at your host.

Why it matters

Your domain is your brand and your permanent address online. It carries your search authority and email identity, and it stays yours even if you switch hosts. A clear, memorable domain builds trust; losing or mismanaging one can take a site offline entirely.

Trust

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I buy a domain from my host?

You can, but you do not have to. Domains and hosting can come from different companies. Buying the domain separately keeps it portable if you ever change hosts.

What happens if my domain expires?

Your site and email go offline, and after a grace period the domain can be bought by someone else. Enable auto-renew and keep your registrar contact email current.

How much does a domain name cost?

Prices vary by extension: common ones like .com or .net typically run about 10 to 15 USD a year, while newer or premium extensions can cost far more. Watch for low first-year promotional pricing that jumps sharply at renewal, and check the renewal rate before buying.

Can I move my domain to a different registrar later?

Yes. Most domains can transfer after 60 days from registration or the last transfer, using an authorization (EPP) code from your current registrar. Unlock the domain, confirm the contact email, and expect it to take a few days, with no downtime if DNS records stay unchanged.

How do I check if a domain is available or find out who owns one?

Use a registrar's search tool or a WHOIS lookup to check availability and see details such as registrar and expiry date. Privacy services often hide the owner's personal contact info behind a proxy. Availability searches are free and instant.

Related Terms

DNS
The internet's address book that translates domain names into the IP addresses computers use.
WHOIS
A public lookup that returns ownership and registration details for a domain name.
A Record
A DNS record that maps a domain (or subdomain) to a specific IPv4 address.
CNAME
A DNS record that points one hostname to another hostname (an alias), instead of an IP address.
IP Address
The numerical address (IPv4 or IPv6) that identifies a server or device on the internet.
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