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Wiki

A wiki is a type of website or web-based publishing system that lets users collaboratively create, edit, and organize pages through a web browser.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A wiki is a type of website or web-based publishing system that lets users collaboratively create, edit, and organize pages through a web browser. Wikis are commonly used to build knowledge bases, documentation sites, and encyclopedias, with Wikipedia being the best-known example.

Definition

A wiki is a website or online platform that allows users to create, edit, and organize content collaboratively. The model emphasizes easy editing and interlinked pages rather than single-author publishing.

How wikis work

Wikis run on wiki software or a wiki engine that lets users edit pages through a browser, often using simplified markup. Many wikis store revision histories so earlier versions can be reviewed or restored.

Uses and examples

Wikis are used for encyclopedias, internal documentation, community knowledge bases, and project collaboration. Wikipedia is the best-known public example and is commonly described as the most popular wiki.

Etymology

The word 'wiki' comes from the Hawaiian word wiki, meaning 'fast' or 'quick.' The term reflects the idea of quick page creation and editing.

Key facts

  • Wikis are designed for collaborative editing directly in a web browser.
  • A wiki usually consists of multiple interlinked pages.
  • Most wikis keep revision history so changes can be reviewed and restored.
  • The term 'wiki' comes from Hawaiian and is commonly translated as 'fast' or 'quick.'
  • Wikipedia is widely cited as the most famous wiki and the most popular wiki site.
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Canadian context

Wikis are widely used by Canadian schools, libraries, government teams, and businesses for collaborative documentation and knowledge sharing.

Frequently asked questions

What is a wiki?
A wiki is a website or web-based system that allows users to collaboratively create, edit, and organize pages through a browser.
How does a wiki work?
A wiki works through wiki software that lets users edit pages directly online, usually with revision history and linking between pages.
What is the most popular wiki?
Wikipedia is the most widely recognized and commonly cited example of a wiki.
What does wiki mean?
Wiki comes from Hawaiian and means 'fast' or 'quick.'
How to create a wiki?
Choose a wiki platform or software, set up pages and permissions, and then add and organize content. Common wiki tools include MediaWiki and other content-management platforms.
What is a wiki site?
A wiki site is a website built as a wiki, meaning its pages can be created and edited collaboratively by users, depending on the site’s permissions.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki
    Supports: Basic definition of wiki as collaboratively edited web publication through a browser.
  2. Webopedia — https://www.webopedia.com/definitions/wiki/
    Supports: Wiki as a collaborative website, use of content management systems, and editing by multiple users.
  3. TechTarget — https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/wiki
    Supports: Definition, origin of the term, and Wikipedia as the best-known example.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/wiki
    Supports: Concise definition of wiki as a website modified or contributed to by users.
  5. National Center for Biotechnology Information — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK82279/
    Supports: Wikis as server-based online content management systems and Ward Cunningham quote.