Tech Dictionary
CNAME Record
Canonical Name
CNAME stands for “canonical name”, which is a complicated way of saying alias. The record says: this name is really that other name — go there.
The classic use is making the www version of your domain land on the same site as the bare version. Beyond that, platforms ask for CNAMEs when you connect a subdomain to their service. A booking page at book.yourbusiness.com.au, say, or an email tool’s tracking links.
If a platform’s setup guide says “add a CNAME record”, it goes in your DNS settings at your registrar. Copy it exactly as given — and don’t delete records you don’t recognise while you’re in there.
Last reviewed: August 2026