URL
: the address of a web page, FTP site, audio stream or other Internet resource.
“https://en.wiktionary.org/ is the URL of English Wiktionary.”
Slang comparison
URLvsIRL
What's the difference between URL and IRL?
URL and IRL mark opposite sides of online versus offline. A URL is literally the address of a web page, FTP site, or other internet resource — by definition it only exists online. IRL means 'in real life,' internet slang used specifically as opposed to online. Saying you met someone 'IRL' only makes sense because the default now is meeting through a URL first — a link, a profile, a DM.
Side-by-side
| Dimension | URL | IRL |
|---|---|---|
| Category | 🌐 Internet & Memes | 🌐 Internet & Memes |
| Views | 142 | 119 |
| Editorial status | community | community |
Top definitions
IRL
Existing or being such in real life.
“His IRL girlfriend.”
Usage guidance
When to use URL
Referring to something that only exists as a web address, link, or online resource.
When to use IRL
Marking that something happened away from a screen — 'in real life,' as opposed to online.
Common mistake
Treating 'IRL' as just a plain synonym for 'in person' misses the internet-slang framing — it's specifically used to contrast with something online, not as a neutral description.
FAQ
What's the difference between URL and IRL?+
URL and IRL mark opposite sides of online versus offline. A URL is literally the address of a web page, FTP site, or other internet resource — by definition it only exists online. IRL means 'in real life,' internet slang used specifically as opposed to online. Saying you met someone 'IRL' only makes sense because the default now is meeting through a URL first — a link, a profile, a DM.
When should I use URL?+
Referring to something that only exists as a web address, link, or online resource.
When should I use IRL?+
Marking that something happened away from a screen — 'in real life,' as opposed to online.
What's a common mistake when using URL or IRL?+
Treating 'IRL' as just a plain synonym for 'in person' misses the internet-slang framing — it's specifically used to contrast with something online, not as a neutral description.
Are URL and IRL interchangeable?+
They overlap, but not exactly. Treating 'IRL' as just a plain synonym for 'in person' misses the internet-slang framing — it's specifically used to contrast with something online, not as a neutral description. Use the rest of this page to pick the right one for your context.