webinar
WEB-ih-nar
/ˈwɛbɪnɑːr/
An online seminar or presentation conducted over the internet.
Webinars are typically interactive, allowing participants to ask questions and engage with the presenter in real-time, unlike pre-recorded videos.
The story behind the word. The word 'webinar' is a portmanteau, a blend of 'web' (referring to the World Wide Web) and 'seminar.' It emerged in the late 1990s as internet technology advanced, allowing for live, interactive presentations and discussions to be conducted entirely online, mimicking the structure of a traditional seminar but accessible globally.
Word relationships
- online seminar: The full form from which 'webinar' is derived; more descriptive.
- web conference: Broader, can include meetings without a formal presentation aspect.
- virtual event: Even broader, encompassing many types of online gatherings.
Commonly confused with
- podcast: A podcast is typically pre-recorded audio (sometimes video) content; a webinar is usually live and interactive.
Collocations
- host a webinar
- attend a webinar
- webinar series
- live webinar
- free webinar
Example sentences
- "The company hosted a free `webinar` on digital marketing trends, attracting hundreds of participants from around the globe." Many companies now host webinars to train remote employees.
- "I learned a lot about project management from the `webinar` series offered by the industry association." Attending webinars is a convenient way to gain new skills.
Memory hook
A 'WEBINAR' is a 'WEB' 'SEMINAR'. Web seminar
When not to use
Do not use 'webinar' for a simple video call or a pre-recorded video that lacks live interaction.
Fun facts
- The term 'webinar' was trademarked by Eric R. Korb in 1998, but the trademark was later allowed to lapse, making it a generic term.
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption and popularity of webinars for business, education, and public communication.
Related words
Explore more words
webcast, seminar, breakout room, livestream, webcam, workshop
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