Definition of a Domain Name

The definition of a domain name is the name of a computer on the internet that usually corresponds to an IP address and serves as an easy and unique identification label for your website.  The domain name is that part of the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) that tells a server where and whether to forward a request for the website using the domain name system (DNS).  In simple terms, it is a website's address.  It locates an organization or a person on the internet using this web address, like a sign post that points out your location on a map.

Domain names are usually comprised of three parts, separated by dots in between ' the 'www', the chosen name, then the suffix or what is called the Top Level Domain (TLD) extensions that reflects the purpose or physical location of your website.  When you type in a domain name, it can be in this format: www.nameofwebsite.com.  One can also not use the 'www' part as web hosts can use any server names as using the chosen name plus the suffix are enough to direct you to a particular website (e.g. nameofwebsite.com).  Domain names can also allow multiple individuals, businesses, and organizations to have separate identities on the Internet, even though they share the same host or server.

Domain names also give websites their own identity on the web.  This is why domain names have to be unique and must be easy to remember.  But, do remember that one needs to register or acquire a domain name depending on its availability especially if it's a generic one. This is in order to avoid confusion and to lead your audiences to the right website.