English · Word Candidate

router

/ˈɹuː.tə(ɹ)/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: routers · routering · routered

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Someone who routes or directs items from one location to another.

Noun

Examples

The router directed the movement of the company's trucks.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Any device that directs packets of information using the equivalent of Open Systems Interconnection layer 3 (network layer) information. Most commonly used in reference to Internet Protocol routers.

Noun

Examples

That’s one of the biggest hurdles of managing a router and your network security in general, it’s a massive chore that is fraught with technical jargon, hurdles and screens saying ‘no’, ‘invalid’ or ‘not available’.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A power tool used in carpentry for cutting grooves.

Noun

Examples

He made an attractive edge on the table with a router.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

A plane made like a spokeshave, for working the inside edges of circular sashes.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “router” mean?

Someone who routes or directs items from one location to another.

Is “router” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.