What is a meta-search engine?

A meta-search engine is a type of search engine that extracts, combines, and displays results from a variety of crawler based search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and MSN. The ability to combine search engine data is a function that is preferred by many users because it allows them to customize and tailor the results. Many of the best meta-search engines give users a wide range of options allowing them to combine results that fit them best. Below is a list of the most popular meta SEs.

• Dogpile
• Excite
• MetaCrawler
• Search
• Info
• Fazzle

Meta-search engines will also typically compile paid listings within their results. The paid results are often difficult to distinguish from the natural ones. Be aware of this when using them.