hypertextprotocol
nounUK /ˈhaɪpətɛkst ˈprəʊtəkɒl/
US /ˈhaɪpərtɛkst ˈproʊtəkɔːl/
A set of rules that lets computers share and show linked web pages.
The browser uses a hypertext protocol to fetch the page you clicked.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The technical standard that defines how messages are formatted and sent between web clients and servers.
Engineers reviewed the hypertext protocol to fix the loading error.
3. Any agreed set of rules for exchanging linked documents across a network.
The old system used a custom hypertext protocol before the web existed.
4. Informally, the behind-the-scenes rules that make clicking links work online.
Kids don't see the hypertext protocol, but every link depends on it.