---
title: "What Is CNAME record? Domain Glossary | Grit Brokerage"
description: "A DNS record that makes one name an alias of another name. A visitor to the alias is sent to the target name's address. It is often used for subdomains..."
url: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/cname-record
publisher: Grit Brokerage
contact: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact
offer: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/inquiry
---

Registration and DNS

# CNAME record

A DNS record that makes one name an alias of another name. A visitor to the alias is sent to the target name's address. It is often used for subdomains such as www.

## Why it matters

A CNAME lets www.example.com follow example.com without a second address to maintain. It is common when a domain is connected to a website builder or a marketplace sales page. The key limit is that a CNAME cannot sit beside other records at the same name. That is why most providers do not allow one at the bare domain, where mail and other records already exist. A common mistake is adding a CNAME at the root and breaking email. Check the record type your provider asks for, because some use special alias records instead.

Source: [datatracker.ietf.org](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc1034)

## Buying or selling a domain?

Call, text or email. Responsiveness is our trademark, and a broker answers, not a form robot.

[Talk to a broker](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact) [Call (442) 500-GRIT](tel:+1-442-500-4748)