Nameserver

Nameservers are part of the Domain Name System (DNS), the infrastructure that helps software find services associated with a domain name. Authoritative nameservers publish the DNS records for a domain or zone. A domain's registrar typically allows its owner to delegate the domain to designated authoritative nameservers, which may be operated by a hosting or DNS provider. Other DNS servers, called recursive resolvers, look up those records for users.

When a local business changes hosting, it may need to update records at its existing DNS provider or change which nameservers are authoritative. These are different operations. Changing delegation without copying essential email and verification records can interrupt mail even if the website eventually loads. Owners should export current records, check the new zone, plan for DNS caching, and verify critical services after the switch.

A nameserver is not necessarily the web server that displays the site. A single provider may offer both services, but the roles remain separate. The registrar controls domain registration and delegation, while the DNS records point to website, email, or other endpoints. This term complements rather than duplicates “Web Server” or general domain registration guidance. Avoid promising instant propagation: existing resolver caches and configuration errors can affect when changes appear.