The Short Top-Level Domain Definition
TLD stands for ‘top-level domain’ and refers to the rightmost part of every domain name. In namecheap.com, ‘namecheap.com’ is the domain name, and ‘.com’ is the TLD. If you’re looking for a TLD, check out our top-level domain list to see what you can register, or try our domain name search.
If you are brimming with questions like ‘What is the purpose of a TLD?’, our handy guide is here to provide the answers.
The Long TLD Definition
It’s now time to get started and define the top-level domain extension. Still unsure of what are top-level domains in a URL? Let’s use an example.
Consider namecheap.com again. When you type it into your search bar, our website is being located by your computer, using the domain name and an IP address.
Every website on the Internet can be identified by an IP address, which is a unique series of numbers. These numbers are a set of instructions that allows a computer to access stored website data.
Think of an IP address as a mobile phone number. While you may have ‘Dad’ listed in your phonebook, it’s the number that you ultimately use to connect with him.
The letters at the end of a website address are known as its top-level domain (TLD). They typically tell a story about the domain name associated with it, such as the geographical area it was created in, its purpose, or the organization that owns it.
So, what is an example of a top-level domain? There’s .ca for Canada, .biz for businesses, and .com for commercial websites. Interestingly ‘top-level domain’ is also known as a ‘URL extension’.
Although the most popular TLD is .com, there are many others available, including .info, .dev, and even .pizza.