Vocabulary · Digital world
Technology and the internet in English
A2
Technology and the internet in English: computers and other devices, the internet and websites, messages and calls, and the verbs you need online. With British pronunciation (IPA) and examples.
Quick answer
Devices
| Word | Meaning | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| computer(n.)“I use my computer for school.” | a machine for work, games and the internet | /kəmˈpjuːtə/ |
| laptop(n.) | a small computer you can carry | /ˈlæptɒp/ |
| screen(n.) | the flat part that shows pictures | /skriːn/ |
| keyboard(n.) | the part with letters you type on | /ˈkiːbɔːd/ |
| mouse(n.) | a small device you move to click | /maʊs/ |
| smartphone(n.) | a mobile phone with apps and internet | /ˈsmɑːtfəʊn/ |
| tablet(n.) | a flat computer with a touch screen | /ˈtæblət/ |
| headphones(n.) | you wear them to listen to music | /ˈhedfəʊnz/ |
The internet
| Word | Meaning | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| internet(n.) | the network that connects computers everywhere | /ˈɪntənet/ |
| website(n.) | a group of pages on the internet | /ˈwebsaɪt/ |
| page(n.) | one screen of a website | /peɪdʒ/ |
| link(n.) | words you click to go elsewhere | /lɪŋk/ |
| browser(n.) | the app you use to visit websites | /ˈbraʊzə/ |
| wifi(n.) | internet with no cables | /ˈwaɪfaɪ/ |
| password(n.) | a secret code to log in | /ˈpɑːswɜːd/ |
Communication
| Word | Meaning | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| email(n.) | a message sent over the internet | /ˈiːmeɪl/ |
| message(n.) | a short piece of writing you send | /ˈmesɪdʒ/ |
| text message(n.) | a short note sent by phone | /tekst ˈmesɪdʒ/ |
| video call(n.) | talking to someone you can see online | /ˈvɪdiəʊ kɔːl/ |
| chat(n.) | writing to someone in real time | /tʃæt/ |
Verbs
| Word | Meaning | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| to download(v.) | to get a file from the internet | /ˌdaʊnˈləʊd/ |
| to upload(v.) | to send a file to the internet | /ˌʌpˈləʊd/ |
| to search(v.) | to look for information | /sɜːtʃ/ |
| to click(v.) | to press a mouse button | /klɪk/ |
| to log in(v.) | to enter your account | /lɒɡ ɪn/ |
| to log out(v.) | to leave your account | /lɒɡ aʊt/ |
A common mistake
Mouses or mice?
Mouse is the animal and also the small device you move to use a computer. The usual plural is mice for both. Mouses is sometimes used for computers, but it is less common.
Practice quiz
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between download and upload?+
Download means to get a file from the internet onto your computer or phone. Upload means to send a file from your computer or phone to the internet. Think of down (the file comes to you) and up (the file goes away from you).
What is the plural of mouse for a computer?+
The usual plural is mice, like the animal. Some people also say mouses for computers, but it is less common. To avoid the problem, you can say two computer mice.
What does online mean?+
Online means connected to the internet: I'm online. The opposite is offline: I'm offline. To go online means to connect to the internet. These words are very common on social media and in messaging apps.
Updated on 12 November 2026 by the Big Challenge teaching team. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999. Our teaching approach →
The Big Challenge · Updated on 12 November 2026 · Source: www.thebigchallenge.com/bl/academy/learn-english/vocabulary/technology-and-internet
© The Big Challenge. Copying allowed for classroom use. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999.