I've been researching the origins of the World Wide Web, so basically sifting through CERN reports and Usenet posts from 1989-1993, but I've noticed that the terms "Web site," "website," "web-site," and "web site" appear nowhere.
I've tried Google ngrams, but receive way too many false positives (i.e. links from updated editions and the like). The Online Etymology Dictionary states that the first use of the term "website" was 1994. Random House Dictionary states that it was coined between 1990 and 1995. Oxford English Dictionary lists the first use in a 1993 issue of "Computer Shopper" as "WEB site" and in a 1994 issue of "Macworld" as "Web-site." Merriam-Webster puts the first use as 1992, but without citation.
So what gives exactly? Is there a precise origin here at all?
(My apologies if this is the wrong Stack to post this on, I will remove if it is indicated as such; thanks so much!)
Best Answer
The first written usage, according to OED Online, is from Jan. 25, 1993. It is from FreeLore Whitepaper Repost in alt.uu.future (Usenet newsgroup).
You can find the full text on this site also:
http://wiretap.area.com/Gopher/alt.etext/014.freelore
Note: It is two months before it appeared in Computer Shopper magazine (Mar., 1993 issue), according to OED.