The Startup Founder's Reference

Domain Name Dictionary

186+ domain terms and TLD extensions explained in plain English — written for startup founders, not domain brokers.

186+ terms defined 38 TLD extensions A–W alphabetical
Showing all 186 terms

.* — Domain Extensions (TLDs)

.ai ccTLDThe country code TLD for Anguilla, widely adopted by artificial intelligence companies and tech startups.Read more → .app gTLDA Google-operated extension for mobile apps and software. Requires HTTPS for all connections.Read more → .au ccTLDAustralia's country code domain, commonly used as .com.au for Australian businesses and organizations.Read more → .biz gTLDA business-oriented alternative to .com, launched in 2001 for commercial use.Read more → .ca ccTLDCanada's country code domain, restricted to individuals and entities with a Canadian presence.Read more → .cc ccTLDOriginally for the Cocos Islands, now used globally as an affordable premium alternative to .com.Read more → .club gTLDA generic extension for communities, membership organizations, and interest groups.Read more → .cn ccTLDChina's country code domain — one of the most registered ccTLDs in the world.Read more → .co ccTLDColombia's country code, widely adopted globally as a startup-friendly alternative to .com.Read more → .com gTLDThe most recognized domain extension in the world. The gold standard for businesses of all sizes.Read more → .de ccTLDGermany's country code — the largest ccTLD by registrations, widely used for German-market businesses.Read more → .dev gTLDA Google-operated extension for developers and dev tools. Requires HTTPS.Read more → .edu sTLDRestricted to accredited US educational institutions. Highly trusted and authoritative.Read more → .eu ccTLDThe European Union's domain extension, available to EU/EEA residents and organizations.Read more → .gg ccTLDGuernsey's country code, popular in gaming ('good game') and esports communities.Read more → .global gTLDAn extension for international businesses and organizations with a worldwide presence.Read more → .gov sTLDRestricted to US government entities at federal, state, and local levels.Read more → .guide gTLDA descriptive extension for how-to content, tutorials, and informational resources.Read more → .help gTLDAn extension for support portals, customer service, and help-oriented websites.Read more → .in ccTLDIndia's country code domain, one of the fastest-growing ccTLDs reflecting India's tech boom.Read more → .info gTLDOne of the first alternative TLDs, designed for informational websites and resources.Read more → .io ccTLDBritish Indian Ocean Territory's ccTLD, adopted by tech startups for its 'input/output' association.Read more → .live gTLDAn extension for live events, streaming, broadcasting, and real-time content platforms.Read more → .me ccTLDMontenegro's country code, popular for personal branding, portfolios, and URL shorteners.Read more → .mil sTLDExclusively for the US Department of Defense and military organizations.Read more → .mobi gTLDDesigned for mobile-optimized websites. Less popular since responsive design became standard.Read more → .net gTLDOriginally for network infrastructure, now a general-purpose alternative to .com.Read more → .now gTLDAn action-oriented extension conveying immediacy and urgency.Read more → .online gTLDA generic extension suitable for any internet-based business or digital presence.Read more → .org gTLDTraditionally for nonprofits and organizations, now open to anyone. Carries trust and authority.Read more → .pro gTLDAn extension for professionals and professional services — consultants, freelancers, and agencies.Read more → .so ccTLDSomalia's country code, gaining traction in the US/EU tech market as a short, modern alternative.Read more → .store gTLDA generic extension designed for e-commerce businesses and online retail storefronts.Read more → .tech gTLDA popular extension for technology companies, IT services, and tech-focused startups.Read more → .top gTLDOne of the most registered new gTLDs, popular in China and for generic web presences.Read more → .travel sTLDA sponsored TLD for the travel industry — agencies, hotels, airlines, and tourism businesses.Read more → .tv ccTLDTuvalu's country code, globally popular for streaming, video, and media platforms.Read more → .xyz gTLDMarketed as the domain for 'every website, everywhere.' Used by Alphabet (abc.xyz).Read more →

D

DA (Domain Authority)A Moz metric predicting how well a website will rank in search results, on a scale from 0 to 100.Read more → DDNS (Dynamic DNS)A service that automatically updates DNS records when your IP address changes.Read more → Defensive RegistrationRegistering domain variants to protect your brand from competitors and cybersquatters.Read more → Deleted DomainA previously registered domain that has been released back into the available pool after expiry.Read more → Dictionary DomainA domain using a real dictionary word — among the most valuable domain types (e.g., Hotels.com).Read more → DNS (Domain Name System)The 'phone book' of the internet that translates domain names into IP addresses computers can find.Read more → DNS RecordsConfiguration entries (A, CNAME, MX, TXT) that tell DNS servers how to handle requests for your domain.Read more → DomainA unique, human-readable internet address — both your website's location and a digital asset with real value.Read more → Domain FlippingBuying domains at a low price and reselling them for a profit — the core of domain investing.Read more → Domain HackA creative domain that uses the TLD as part of the word (e.g., del.icio.us, bit.ly).Read more → Domain InvestingThe practice of buying and holding domain names as assets, aiming to sell them at a profit.Read more → Domain LeaseRenting a domain name for a recurring fee without transferring ownership.Read more → Domain MigrationMoving your website from one domain to another — a common scenario when startups rebrand.Read more → Domain NameThe human-readable web address (like nicename.me) that people type to visit your website.Read more → Domain PropagationThe time it takes for DNS changes to be recognized across all internet servers worldwide.Read more → DomainerA person who invests in domain names professionally — your potential seller when buying a premium domain.Read more → DomainingThe business of buying, selling, and monetizing domain names — essentially digital real estate.Read more → DR (Domain Rating)An Ahrefs metric measuring the strength of a domain's backlink profile on a scale from 0 to 100.Read more → DropWhen a domain's registration expires and it becomes available for anyone to register.Read more → Drop CatchingUsing automated services to register valuable domains the instant they expire and become available.Read more → Drop DateThe specific date and time when an expired domain will be released for public registration.Read more → DRP (Domain Resolution Policy)Alternative dispute resolution policies used by various registries to handle domain conflicts.Read more →

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