How Search Engines Use Entities

[chameli]

Search engines use entities to understand the meaning behind words
Instagram Database and how different concepts relate to each other. Instead of just matching keywords, Google builds a network of entities and their connections.



Here’s how it works:

1. Google’s Knowledge Graph
The Knowledge Graph is Google’s massive database of entities and their relationships. It helps Google understand the meaning of words beyond their literal definition.



For example, when you search for “Barack Obama,” Google knows he is:



A person (entity type)
The former U.S. president (relationship)
Connected to other entities like Michelle Obama, the White House, and Democratic Party (entity associations)
Barack Obama SERP



This is why Google can show a Knowledge Panel with relevant information instead of just listing webpages with his name.

2. Entity Recognition
Entities help search engines figure out what you mean, even when words have multiple meanings.



For example, if you search for "Jaguar," Google needs to determine:



Are you talking about the animal?
Or the car brand?


To do this, Google looks at context signals:



If your query includes any reference to wildlife, it assumes you mean the animal.
If it includes something dealing with the automotive industry, it assumes you mean the vehicle brand.


This process is called entity disambiguation, and it ensures search engines return the most relevant results.