browse

Everyday

1. To look through things in a relaxed way, without looking for something particular: «browse in a bookshop». tree →
2. (computing) To look at web pages on the internet: «browse the web». tree →
3. (of animals) To feed on leaves and twigs of bushes and trees: «Giraffes browse on acacia trees.» tree →
4. (noun) A relaxed look: «have a browse». tree →

In the lessons

In computing and online safety lessons a «browser» is the program for looking at websites, and «safe browsing» means visiting trusted sites. In science, «browsers» are animals that eat leaves (giraffes), while «grazers» eat grass (cows). Phrases: «browse the shelves», «browse online», «just browsing».

Examples

• I like to browse in the library on Saturdays. tree →
• We browsed the web for facts about volcanoes. tree →
• «Can I help you?» «No thanks, I'm just browsing.» tree →
• Giraffes browse on the top leaves of trees. tree →
• Have a browse through this catalogue. tree →
• Only browse websites your teacher says are safe. tree →
• Weary of seeking his way, he flung himself down under a tree, leaving his horse to browse at will, and fell asleep. tree →

Note

Rhymes with «cows». Noun for the program: browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox). «Just browsing» in shops means you are only looking.