# Domain Name Glossary

A domain name glossary is a list of terms and definitions related to domain names. A [domain name](https://shop.primeloyalty.com/) is a unique address that identifies a website or an email service on the internet. For more information or a free consultation, reach out to a [domain broker](/content/services/domain-broker/index.html) today!

**Top-level domain (TLD)**: The last part of a domain name, such as .com, .org, or .edu.

**Second-level domain (SLD)**: The part of a domain name that appears immediately before the TLD, such as google in google.com.

**Domain name registrar**: A company that manages the registration of domain names, such as GoDaddy or Namecheap.

**Domain name system (DNS)**: A system that translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing users to access websites and email services using an easy-to-remember name rather than a string of numbers.

**ICANN**: The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, a non-profit organization that manages the allocation of IP addresses and TLDs.

**WHOIS**: A database that contains information about the registrant of a domain name, such as name, address, and contact information.

**Domain parking**: The practice of registering a domain name without using it for an active website or email service.

**Domain forwarding**: The practice of redirecting a domain name to another website or email service.

**Domain name expiration**: The date on which a domain name registration expires and must be renewed.

**Renewal fee**: The fee charged by a domain name registrar to renew a domain name registration.

**Domain name transfer**: The process of transferring a domain name registration from one registrar to another.

**DNS propagation**: The process of updating the DNS information for a domain name across the internet.

**Subdomain**: An additional section of a domain name that appears before the SLD, such as www in www.primeloyalty.com.

**Wildcard domain**: A domain name that can be used to match any subdomain, such as \*.primeloyalty.com.

**Vanity domain**: A domain name that is used for branding or marketing purposes, rather than for a specific website or email service.

For more information on securing your brand name, check out our guide on [domain brokers](/content/blog/domain-brokers/index.html).

#### [Exact Match Domain Names](/content/blog/exact-match-domain-names/index.html)

#### [What is a domain Name?](/content/blog/what-is-a-domain-name/index.html)