WordPress Lexicon
Our WordPress lexicon is a collection of terms and explanations that are specifically relevant to working with WordPress. It is aimed at both beginners and advanced users and provides a clear overview of important concepts, features, and tools. From basic terms such as dashboard or themes to specific topics such as permalinks or SEO plugins , our lexicon covers all aspects required to understand and use WordPress.
Our lexicon is particularly helpful to:
- quickly look up technical terms,
- better understand technical contexts,
- and expand your own knowledge of WordPress.
Table of Contents
Simply use the letters below to navigate through our WordPress lexicon.
We keep the WordPress lexicon constantly up to date and hope you enjoy reading it.
Administrator – The administrator is the user role with the highest privileges in WordPress. It can install plugins and themes, manage users, and change settings.
Current Theme – The currently active theme determines the design and layout of the WordPress website. It can be changed in the WordPress dashboard under “Design > Themes”.
Akismet – A spam detection plugin that is mainly used for filtering comment spam. It’s often included by default in WordPress.
Anchor – An anchor is an HTML element that serves as a jump point within a page. It allows you to navigate directly to specific sections of a post or page.
API (Application Programming Interface) – An interface that allows WordPress to be connected to other applications or services, such as via the REST API.
Articles – Also known as posts, these are the pieces of content that appear in reverse chronological order on a WordPress website. They are often used for blogs.
Attachment – A medium uploaded to the library, such as images, videos, or documents, that can be used in posts or pages.
Author – A user role in WordPress that allows you to create and publish your own posts, but without access to other users’ posts.
Automatic Updates – WordPress can automatically perform updates to core files, plugins, and themes to ensure website security and stability.
Backup – A backup copy of the WordPress website that should be created regularly to avoid data loss. There are numerous plugins that allow automatic backups.
Backend – The administration area of WordPress, also known as the dashboard. Here you can create content, install plugins and make settings.
Users – People with different roles in WordPress, such as administrator, editor, author, employee, or subscriber. Each role has different permissions.
Custom Fields – A feature in WordPress that can be used to add additional metadata to posts or pages.
User Registration – The ability for new users to register and create an account on a WordPress website. This can be enabled or disabled in the settings.
Featured Image – A central image for a post or page that is often used as a thumbnail or header image in themes.
Post Formats – A feature that allows you to create different types of posts (e.g., standard, video, gallery, quote) and display them accordingly.
Blocks (Gutenberg Editor) – The WordPress editor uses blocks to design content. Each block can contain text, images, videos, or other elements.
Breadcrumbs – A navigational aid that shows users which page or area of the website they are on. It improves usability and search engine optimization (SEO).
Brute force attack – An attack method in which hackers try to crack passwords through systematic trial and error. Security plugins can provide protections such as login restrictions.
Cache – A cache that reduces website load time by storing frequently accessed data. Caching plugins such as WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache can improve performance.
Canonical URL – A URL that tells search engines which version of a page should be considered the authoritative one to avoid duplicate content.
Child Theme – A child theme that inherits from a parent theme. Changes to the child theme are not lost when the parent theme is updated.
CMS (Content Management System) – WordPress is a CMS that allows you to manage, create, and publish content without any coding knowledge.
Comments – A feature that allows visitors to leave feedback on posts or pages. The comment function can be activated or deactivated.
Content Delivery Network (CDN) – A network of servers that distributes a website’s static files globally to reduce load times. Examples are Cloudflare or KeyCDN.
Customizer – A WordPress tool that can be used to customize the design of the website in real-time, including colors, fonts, and layouts.
Cron Job – Automated tasks that run at specific time intervals, such as scheduled posts or database cleanups.
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) – A style sheet language that controls the design and layout of a WordPress website. Customizations can be made via the Customizer tool or a style.css file.
CSV Import/Export – A feature that can be used to import or export data in table form to WordPress, such as user or product lists for WooCommerce.
Dashboard – WordPress’ central management interface that allows users to create content, manage plugins, and adjust settings.
Database – WordPress stores all content, settings, and user information in a MySQL database. Each installation needs its own database.
Data backup – Regular backups are essential to prevent data loss. There are numerous plugins for automated data backup, such as UpdraftPlus or BackWPup.
Design – In WordPress, the theme determines the design and layout of a website. Customizations can be made via the customizer or with CSS.
Developer Mode – A mode for developers that enables debugging features and detailed error messages in WordPress.
DNS (Domain Name System) – A system that converts domain names into IP addresses and ensures that visitors reach the right website.
Domain – The unique name of a website on the Internet, such as “example.com.” A domain must be registered to make a WordPress website accessible.
Drag-and-drop editor – A visual editor that allows you to design content by dragging and dropping. Page builders such as Elementor or WPBakery use this function.
Dropdown Menu – A menu item that opens when users click or hover over it. It is often used for navigations.
Duplicator – A plugin that can be used to clone or migrate an entire WordPress website, e.g. for moving to another server.
Editor – The interface in WordPress that can be used to create and edit posts and pages. There is the classic editor and the Gutenberg block editor.
Embeds – WordPress allows you to easily embed content from external sources such as YouTube, Twitter, or Spotify by pasting the URL.
Ecommerce – The use of WordPress for online commerce, often with the help of plugins like WooCommerce to sell products and services.
Email Notifications – Automatic emails that WordPress sends out for registrations, comments, or updates. These can be customized with plugins such as WP Mail SMTP.
Extensions (plugins) – Additional software modules that extend the functionality of WordPress, e.g. for SEO, security or performance.
Error 404 – An error code indicating that a page was not found. This can be caused by broken links or missing permalink settings.
Advanced user rights – WordPress offers different user roles such as administrator, editor, or author to control access to certain features.
Excerpt – A short summary of a post that appears in blog overviews or search results. The excerpt can be written manually or automatically generated.
Export Feature – A WordPress feature that allows content (posts, pages, media) to be exported to an XML file to import into another WordPress installation.
Elementor – A popular page builder for WordPress that offers a drag-and-drop interface to design websites visually.
Favicon – A small icon that appears in the browser tab next to the page title. It can be set in the customizer under “Website Identity”.
Error messages – WordPress displays various error messages, such as the “White Screen of Death” or “Error 500”, which are often caused by plugins, themes, or server settings.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) – A method of uploading and managing files on a WordPress website’s server, often used with programs like FileZilla.
Funktionen.php (functions.php) – A central file in WordPress themes that allows for custom features and customizations.
Featured Image – An image that is assigned to a post or page and often appears in blog overviews or as a thumbnail.
Firewall – A security measure to protect a WordPress website from unwanted access, often implemented by plugins such as Wordfence or Sucuri.
Forms – In WordPress, forms can be created using plugins such as Contact Form 7 or WPForms to enable visitor interactions.
Filters (Hooks) – A WordPress feature that allows content and data to be changed or expanded as it loads, such as through plugins or custom code.
Frontend – The visible area of a website that visitors see and interact with, as opposed to the backend (administration area).
Footer – The bottom of a website that often contains important links, copyright notices, or widgets.
Gutenberg Editor – WordPress’ modern block editor that allows for flexible design of posts and pages through the use of blocks.
Gallery – A feature in WordPress that allows multiple images to be displayed in an appealing grid view. Galleries can be created with on-board tools or plugins such as NextGEN Gallery.
Google Analytics – An analytics tool from Google that integrates with WordPress to track visitor statistics and user behavior on the website.
Gravatar – A global avatar system that allows users to link a profile picture to their email address that appears in WordPress comments and user profiles.
GZIP compression – A technique for reducing the file size of web pages to improve loading time. Can be activated via the .htaccess file or with plugins such as WP Rocket.
Geo-tagging – A feature that can be used to store geographic location data in posts or media, often used for local SEO optimization.
Git – A version control system used for the development and management of WordPress projects, especially themes and plugins.
Google Fonts – A collection of freely available fonts that can be incorporated into WordPress themes to enhance the typography of the website.
Grid layout – A design approach that organizes content in a grid-based layout. Many modern WordPress themes and page builders support this feature.
Gutenberg Blocks – Individual content modules in the Gutenberg editor that contain various elements such as text, images, videos or buttons and can be individually adapted.
Header – The top section of a WordPress website, which often includes the logo, navigation, and other important elements. Many themes allow you to customize the header via the customizer.
Hooks – A WordPress feature that allows developers to dig into the code and extend it without changing the core features. There are “Actions” and “Filters”.
Hosting – The server on which a WordPress website is stored. There are different types of hosting, including shared hosting, managed WordPress hosting, and VPS hosting.
htaccess – A configuration file on Apache servers that can be used to perform redirects, security measures, and other server-side settings.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) – The markup language used to structure content on web pages. WordPress pages are based on HTML.
HTTP & HTTPS – HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the standard protocol for websites. HTTPS is the secure variant that ensures an encrypted connection through an SSL certificate.
Hreflang tags – HTML tags used for multilingual websites to tell search engines which language version of a page to display.
Main Navigation – The primary menu of a WordPress website that helps visitors navigate through the various pages. It can be customized under “Design > Menus”.
Hyperlinks – References to other pages or external websites inserted via clickable text or images.
Heartbeat API – A WordPress feature that communicates with the server at regular intervals to save changes in real-time or monitor user activity.
Import feature – A WordPress feature that can be used to import content such as posts, pages, and media from another installation. This is done through tools like the WordPress importer.
Indexing – The process by which search engines like Google capture a website’s content and store it in its index. Plugins like Yoast SEO help optimize indexing.
Table of Contents – A structured overview of the sections of a post or page, often generated automatically using plugins such as Easy Table of Contents.
Inline CSS – A technique for incorporating CSS code directly into HTML elements to customize the design.
Installation Wizard – An automatic wizard that facilitates the WordPress installation process and configures the basic settings such as site title and administrator account.
Internal linking – The linking of content within a website to improve navigation and SEO.
IP Address – A unique address assigned to a device or server on the Internet. In WordPress, the IP address can be used to identify users or set up access restrictions.
iFrame – A technique for embedding external content, such as videos or web pages, within a WordPress page or post.
Internationalization (i18n) – The process of making WordPress themes and plugins customizable for different languages, often by leveraging .po and .mo files.
Infinite Scroll – A technique in which content is automatically reloaded as the user scrolls down. This feature is often used for blogs or WooCommerce stores.
jQuery – A JavaScript library built into WordPress and widely used for interactive features, animations, and dynamic content.
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) – A data format often used for exchanging data between WordPress and external applications, such as in the WordPress REST API.
JavaScript – A programming language that enables interactive and dynamic elements on a WordPress website. Many themes and plugins use JavaScript for their functions.
Jetpack – A popular WordPress plugin from Automattic that offers features like security measures, performance optimization, statistics, and social media integration.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) – A widely used image format that is often used in WordPress for images. JPEGs are compressed and work well for photos with lots of colors.
JSON-LD (Linked Data) – A method of structuring data for search engines. Often used with SEO plugins to generate rich snippets.
Jump Links – Internal links that allow you to jump to a specific section within a page, such as a table of contents.
JavaScript Defer & Async – Techniques for optimizing the loading speed of a WordPress website by lazy loading JavaScript files.
Categories: In WordPress, categories can be used to assign posts to specific topics. This helps to structure the blog better and make content easier for readers to find.
Compatibility: An important aspect when choosing themes and plugins, as not all plugins or themes are compatible with each other or with the current WordPress version.
Short codes (shortcodes): Small snippets of code that can be inserted into posts or pages to display special features or content.
LAMP: Abbreviation for Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP. It is a commonly used server environment for installing WordPress on Linux systems.
List view: A function in WordPress that displays all blocks of a page or post in a clear list. It allows you to easily move, duplicate or delete blocks.
Landing page: A special page designed to get visitors to take a specific action, such as making a purchase or signing up.
Loading speed/page speed: The time it takes to fully load a web page. It is crucial for user experience and search engine optimization.
Local Server: A server that is installed on a local computer to test or develop a WordPress site offline.
Matt Mullenweg: Co-founder of WordPress and a central figure in the development of the CMS.
Media: Area in the WordPress backend where all uploaded files such as images, videos and documents can be managed.
Menu: Function for creating and managing navigation menus on the website.
Module: A component within a theme or plugin that provides specific functionality.
Multisite: A feature of WordPress that makes it possible to manage multiple websites within a single installation.
MySQL: The database management system used by WordPress to store content and settings.
Nofollow link: A special HTML attribute that signals search engines not to pass on ranking power (link juice) to a link. It is often used for external links or advertising.
Navigation: The menu structure of a website that allows users to navigate through different pages and content. In WordPress, the navigation can be customized via the menu editor.
Network (Multisite): A feature in WordPress that makes it possible to manage multiple websites within a single WordPress installation. Ideal for larger projects or networks of websites.
Newsletter: A tool or plugin in WordPress that makes it possible to send emails to subscribers. Examples of newsletter plugins are MailPoet or Newsletter.
Open source: WordPress is an open-source software, which means that the source code is publicly available. Anyone can use, adapt and develop the code to improve the software or integrate their own functions.
Optimisation: Refers to various measures taken to improve a WordPress website, such as loading speed, SEO, or mobile usability. Plugins like WP Rocket or Yoast SEO are examples of optimization tools.
Permalinks: Persistent URLs for posts and pages. In WordPress, permalinks can be customized under Settings > permalinks to create user-friendly and SEO-optimized links.
PHP: The programming language WordPress is based on. It is used to create and output dynamic content on web pages.
Pingback: A notification that signals that a post has been linked to on another website. It is a form of communication between web pages.
Plugin: Extensions for WordPress that add additional features, such as backups, e-commerce, or security features. Plugins can be installed and managed directly in the backend.
Source code: The source code refers to the page source code of a website or application. In WordPress, it includes programming languages such as HTML, PHP, and JavaScript, which are processed and displayed by the browser.
Responsive Design: A design approach in which the appearance of a website automatically adapts to different screen sizes (e.g. smartphone, tablet, desktop). This is especially important for mobile users and SEO.
Revisions: Versions of posts or pages stored in WordPress that allow you to restore older editing states. This feature is useful for tracking changes.
RSS (Really Simple Syndication): A web feed format that allows users to subscribe to content on a website (such as blog posts) and read it in a feed reader.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Measures to optimize a website to be found better in the organic search results of search engines. In WordPress, plugins such as Yoast SEO or Rank Math can be used to optimize content and technical aspects.
Shortcode: A short code that is inserted into posts or pages to represent complex features or content (e.g . for an image gallery).
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer): A security protocol that encrypts data transmission between website and visitor. SSL encryption is standard nowadays and is often indicated by a lock symbol in the browser.
Sidebar: An area on the website that is often used for widgets such as menus, search functions or social media links. The sidebar can be customized in WordPress via the widget menu.
Slug: The last part of a URL that identifies a page or post (for example, “/contact” in “www.beispiel.de/kontakt”). Slugs can be customized.
In the day: Tags that group posts thematically. Unlike categories, tags are non-hierarchical and provide a flexible way to organize content.
Taxonomy: A method to group content in WordPress. Standard taxonomies are categories and tags, but custom taxonomies can also be created to better structure content.
Template: A design template within a theme that defines the layout of certain page types (e.g., home page, post page). Changes to a template affect all pages that use that template.
Theme: A theme determines the design and layout of a WordPress website. There are both free and paid themes that can be customized.
Thumbnail sizes: Predefined image sizes in WordPress that are automatically generated when uploading images. These can be adjusted in the settings.
Traffic: Refers to the number of visitors to a website. High traffic represents a lot of visitors and is an indicator of the site’s popularity.
Tutorial: A guide or step-by-step explanation that is especially helpful for WordPress beginners.
Updates: Updates to the WordPress software, themes, or plugins. They improve security, fix bugs, and add new features. In WordPress, checking and installing updates is done automatically or manually via the backend.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The web address of a web page that is used to access content on the web. In WordPress, the URL is often referred to as a link and can be customized (e.g., permalinks).
Visual Editor: A WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor that allows you to create posts and pages in WordPress without any coding knowledge. It is similar to word processors such as Microsoft Word and displays the layout directly as you edit.
VPS Hosting (Virtual Private Server Hosting): A hosting option that provides a virtual server that provides dedicated resources. This is a more powerful alternative to shared hosting and is suitable for larger or more sophisticated WordPress websites.
Template: A pre-made arrangement of blocks or a layout framework in WordPress. Templates can be used when creating pages or posts to ensure a consistent design.
WAMP: Abbreviation for Windows, Apache, MySQL and PHP. It describes a server environment that is used for the local installation of WordPress on Windows systems.
Web hosting: The service that makes it possible to publish a website on the Internet. Web hosts provide storage space and server resources to run WordPress websites.
Widget: Small blocks of content that can be displayed in predefined areas of a website (e.g. sidebar or footer). Widgets can be managed via Design > Widgets in WordPress.
White Hat SEO: An ethical and compliant method of search engine optimization that follows search engine guidelines to achieve sustainable growth.
WordPress: An open-source content management system (CMS) originally designed for blogs that now powers over 40% of all websites worldwide. It offers flexibility through themes and plugins.
WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get): An editor type in WordPress where content is displayed during editing as it will appear later on the website (e.g., the classic editor or Gutenberg).
XAMPP: An open-source software that provides a local server environment. It combines Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Perl and is often used to install and test WordPress locally.
Yoast SEO: A popular WordPress plugin for search engine optimization (SEO). It helps in optimizing content, meta tags, keywords, and technical SEO aspects. Yoast offers both a free and premium version with advanced features.
YouTube integration: In WordPress, YouTube videos can be easily embedded by pasting the video link into the editor. Many themes and plugins support advanced features such as video galleries or lazy loading for videos.
Zone Editor: A tool available in some hosting panels that allows you to manage DNS records such as A records, CNAMEs or MX records. This can be relevant if you want to configure WordPress domains or emails.
Line: In WordPress, the term is often used in connection with layouts. A row is a fundamental element in the block editor (Gutenberg) that is used to structure content and can contain multiple columns or blocks.
