Query fan-out
When an AI splits one question into many smaller searches, then combines what it finds.
In plain English
A single prompt like “best family dentist near me that takes my insurance” may become separate searches for dentists, locations, insurance and reviews. Pages that answer those sub-questions clearly get pulled into more answers.
In practice
Google’s AI Mode turns one question about a kitchen remodel into searches about cost, timing, permits and local contractors.
Related terms
AI search basicsStarter AI Mode Google’s chat-style search tab, where you ask follow-up questions and get AI-written answers with sources. In practice, and related terms → How AI reads the webPro Retrieval-augmented generationRAG Fetching relevant documents first, then writing an answer from them. It is how most AI search works. In practice, and related terms → Content & structurePro Topic cluster A group of linked pages that cover one subject from many angles, around one main page. In practice, and related terms →