net

• net
• 1

  internet

  the Net

  also the net the system that allows millions of computer users around the world to exchange information [= the web]:
• Bruce spends most evenings surfing the Net (=looking at information in different places on the Internet).
• on the Net
• You might find something on the Net.
• 2

  for fishing/catching things

  [countable]something used for catching fish, insects, or animals which is made of threads or wires woven across each other with regular spaces between them:
• a fishing net
• a butterfly net
• 3

  for sports

  [countable]
• a) the thing that players must hit the ball over in games such as tennis
• b) the thing behind the posts that players try to kick or hit the ball into in games such as football or hockey [↪ goal]:
• Henry kicked the ball into the back of the net.
• 4

  for keeping things out

  [countable] something used for keeping things out, for example insects or birds, which is made of threads woven across each other with regular spaces between them:
• a mosquito net
• 5

  material

  [uncountable] very thin material made from fine threads woven together, with small spaces between:
•  net curtains
• 6

  slip through the net

   if criminals slip through the net, they avoid attempts by the police etc to catch them
• 7

  fall/slip through the net

   if someone or something falls or slips through the net, a system which was designed to help or check them has not succeeded in doing this:
• In a class of 30 children it is easy for some to slip through the net and learn nothing.
• 8

  cast/spread your net wide

   to consider or try as many things as possible in order to find what you want:
• Record companies are casting their nets wide in search of new talent.

➔ fishnet stockings, hairnet, safety net, netting

Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.