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webcast

WEB-kast /ˈwebkɑːst/

nounverbB2TOEFL

ProfessionalTechnical

A media presentation or event broadcast over the World Wide Web using streaming technology to distribute content to multiple online viewers simultaneously.

Carries a corporate, educational, or formal tone, such as shareholder updates or academic symposiums streamed online.

The story behind the word. Coined in the mid-1990s by combining 'web' (World Wide Web) with '-cast'. Early webcasts in 1995 consisted of low-resolution audio streams of college sports games over dial-up modems.

Word relationships

webinar: Webinar emphasizes an interactive seminar or workshop format, whereas webcast emphasizes an online broadcast presentation.

telecast: Telecast delivers media through traditional television airwaves, while webcast delivers media via internet protocol.

Commonly confused with

livestream: Webcast implies formal or corporate presentations, whereas livestream implies raw, real-time social or creator content.

Word family

webcaster (noun): An entity or person that transmits webcasts.

Collocations

corporate webcast
host a webcast
interactive webcast
webcast archive

Example sentences

"The technology firm streamed its annual earnings report during a live global webcast." Corporate finance
"The university hosted an interactive webcast to welcome international students." Higher education

Memory hook

WEB (World Wide Web) + CAST = a broadcast transmitted entirely across web platforms. Internet-delivered broadcast presentation.

When not to use

Do not use for informal gaming streams or casual social vlogs.

Fun facts

The first live video webcast in history was a performance by the rock band Severe Tire Damage on June 24, 1993, viewed by scientists at Xerox PARC.

Related words

telecast, broadcast, livestream

Explore more words

syndicated, disseminate, Online, give a presentation, syndicate, audience