Answer engine
Any tool that replies with a written answer instead of a list of links, like ChatGPT, Perplexity or Gemini.
In plain English
Classic search engines point you to pages. Answer engines read those pages for you and reply in sentences, usually with a few sources attached. The word covers stand-alone chat tools and the AI answer boxes inside regular search engines.
In practice
Perplexity answers “what does a roof inspection cost?” with a short summary and four linked sources underneath.
Related terms
AI search basicsStarter AI search Finding information by asking an AI tool, which writes an answer, instead of scanning a list of links. In practice, and related terms → AI search basicsStarter Answer engine optimizationAEO Shaping your pages so an AI tool picks them as the direct answer to a buyer’s question. In practice, and related terms → Citations & visibilityStarter Citation A source an AI answer links to or credits. For buyers who ask AI, it is the new page one. In practice, and related terms →