cyberspace

[ sahy-ber-speys ]

noun

1. the realm of electronic communication.
2. virtual reality.

cyberspace

/ ˈsaɪbəˌspeɪs /

noun

1. all of the data stored in a large computer or network represented as a three-dimensional model through which a virtual-reality user can move

cyberspace

/ sī′bər-spās′ /

1. The electronic medium of computer networks, in which online communication takes place.

cyberspace

1. The space in which computer transactions occur, particularly transactions between different computers. We say that images and text on the Internet exist in cyberspace, for example. The term is also often used in conjunction with virtual reality , designating the imaginary place where virtual objects exist. For example, if a computer produces a picture of a building that allows the architect to “walk” through and see what a design would look like, the building is said to exist in cyberspace.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyberspace¹

First recorded in 1980–85; cyber(netics) ( def ) + space none; coined by American-Canadian sci-fi author William Gibson (born 1948)

Example Sentences

China’s cyberspace academy earlier this week announced the chatbot trained on Xi Jinping Thought, a doctrine which promotes “socialism with Chinese characteristics.”

From Seattle Times

“Russian state hackers attacked Germany in cyberspace,” she said at a news conference in the Australian city of Adelaide.

From Seattle Times

That attack was Iran’s first-ever direct assault on Israeli soil, thrusting the countries’ clandestine warfare — long fought by land, air, sea and cyberspace — into open view.

From New York Times

“They are sending a pretty clear signal of how they would use cyberspace in a crisis,” he said.

From New York Times

For decades, Israel and Iran have fought a shadow war across the Middle East, trading attacks by land, sea, air and in cyberspace.

From New York Times

Related Words

• computer network
• information technology
• web