1 a [count] : a device that is used for catching or holding things or for keeping things out of a space and that is made of pieces of string, rope, wire, etc., woven together with spaces in between
▪ He caught a fish in the net. ▪ a butterfly net — often used figuratively ▪ They were caught in a net [=web] of deception. — see picture at fishing; see also mosquito net, safety net
b [noncount] : the material used to make nets : netting
▪ net curtains 2 [count] sports a : a net that is hung across the middle of a playing area in some games (such as tennis, badminton, or volleyball)
▪ The ball barely went over the net.
b : a net that is attached to a frame and that is used as the goal in some games (such as soccer, hockey, or basketball)
▪ He shot the puck into the net. ▪ The ball swished through the net. 3 the Net : the Internet
▪ She likes to surf the Net. [=the Web] ▪ doing business on the Net