Have you ever wondered whether to write “website” or “web site”? You’re not alone! Many people get confused about which one is correct. Both terms appear in articles, books, and online content — but only one is accepted as the modern, standard spelling.
In this simple guide, you’ll learn the difference between “website” and “web site”, their correct usage, and easy grammar tips to remember which to use. By the end, you’ll clearly understand when to write “website” and never second-guess yourself again — even if you’re just starting to learn English.
What Does Each Word Mean?
Let’s look at what each word means and why they sound (and look) so similar.
Website (One Word)
Meaning: A collection of web pages found under one domain name on the Internet.
Part of Speech: Noun
Examples:
- I created a new website for my photography.
- Google is the most visited website in the world.
- Our school’s website shares daily announcements.
Web Site (Two Words)
Meaning: The same as “website” — an online place with related web pages.
Part of Speech: Noun
Examples:
- In the 1990s, people used the term web site more often.
- That web site is full of old games and pictures.
- She built her first web site in 1998.
🧠 Mini Story Tip:
Back in the early days of the Internet, “Web” and “Site” were two separate ideas — a “site” on the “World Wide Web.” But over time, people began writing it as one word — website — because it became so common and familiar.
The Key Difference Between “Website” and “Web Site”
The main difference is modern usage.
Both mean the same thing, but “website” is now the correct and accepted spelling in all major dictionaries and style guides.
| Feature | Website | Web Site |
|---|---|---|
| Spelling | One word | Two words |
| Popularity | Modern, preferred | Old-fashioned, outdated |
| Used by | Everyone today | Used in the 1990s |
| Example | I built a website for my business. | I built a web site for my business. |
| Accepted in dictionaries | ✅ Yes | ❌ Rarely |
💡 Quick Tip:
Always use “website” — one word — in your writing. “Web site” is now considered old-fashioned or incorrect in modern English.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
❌ Incorrect:
- I made a new web site for my portfolio.
- Please visit our Web Site to learn more.
✅ Correct:
- I made a new website for my portfolio.
- Please visit our website to learn more.
Why the mistake happens:
People who learned English years ago may remember “web site” from old computer books or magazines. Today, however, technology terms have evolved. Words like “email” (instead of “e-mail”) and “website” (instead of “web site”) are now written as single words.
🧭 Fix it easily:
If you can replace “web site” with “Facebook” or “Google” in a sentence and it still makes sense, use “website” as one word.
When to Use “Website”
Use “website” in all modern writing, including school essays, online posts, business documents, and social media. It’s the standard English form recognized worldwide.
Examples:
- I updated my company’s website yesterday.
- Our teacher posted homework on the school website.
- The website isn’t loading — maybe the Internet is down.
- You can buy tickets directly from the concert’s website.
- My dream is to design my own website someday.
💡 Memory Hack:
Think of it like email, not “e-mail.” When technology terms get popular, they often merge into one word — and “website” followed the same rule.
When to Use “Web Site”
You’ll rarely need to use “web site” today — except when referring to older texts or historical references.
Examples:
- Early Internet guides used the term web site.
- In 1995, building a web site was considered a big achievement.
- The phrase web site appears in some old newspaper archives.
📜 Note:
If you’re quoting a document from the 1990s or early 2000s, use “web site” to stay true to the original text. Otherwise, always choose “website.”
Quick Recap: Website vs Web Site
Here’s an easy summary to help you remember:
- ✅ Website: Correct, modern, one word
- ❌ Web site: Outdated, not commonly used
- Both mean the same thing, but “website” is standard
- Use “website” in school, business, and online writing
- Think: “If I use email, not e-mail — I should use website, not web site.”
In short: “Website” is today’s correct choice — always one word.
Advanced Tips: A Little History and Modern Usage
When the World Wide Web began in the early 1990s, people called online places “web sites,” meaning “locations on the Web.” The capitalized “Web” was short for “World Wide Web.”
By the early 2000s, as the Internet grew, writers and tech users started joining the words together — “website.” The Associated Press (AP) officially adopted “website” (one word, lowercase “w”) in 2010. Since then, every major dictionary — including Oxford and Merriam-Webster — has followed suit.
Today, writing “web site” looks as outdated as saying “electronic mail” instead of “email.”
In formal writing:
- Use “website” for essays, resumes, or business letters.
- Capitalize only when it starts a sentence (e.g., “Website design is important”).
In online writing:
- “Website” helps your text look modern and professional.
- Using “web site” might make your readers think your content is outdated.
Mini Quiz: Test Your Understanding
Fill in the blanks with “website” or “web site.”
- I created a new _______ for my bakery business.
- In 1998, building a _______ was a rare skill.
- Our school _______ has a list of student results.
- The word _______ became standard after 2010.
- She visited her favorite fashion _______ every day.
✅ Answers:
- website
- web site
- website
- website
- website
FAQs
1. Is it website or web site?
✔ “Website” is the correct and modern spelling. “Web site” is outdated.
2. Why was “web site” used before?
Because the Internet was new, and people treated “Web” and “site” as separate words.
3. Do dictionaries accept “website”?
Yes! All major dictionaries, including Oxford and Merriam-Webster, list “website” as the standard form.
4. Should I use “Website” or “website”?
Use lowercase “website” unless it’s the first word in a sentence.
5. Can I still use “web site”?
Only when quoting or referring to old texts — otherwise, it’s best to avoid it.
Conclusion
Now you know the real difference between website and web site. Both words mean the same thing, but only “website” is correct today. Language evolves with time, and this change shows how English adapts to modern technology.
So next time you write an email, report, or post online — confidently use website (one word). Small details like this make your English clear, current, and professional.
Polly Clark creates clear, insightful guides on language and usage, helping readers understand meanings, differences, and nuances with clarity and confidence.
