---
title: "What Is SLD (Second-level domain)? Domain Glossary | Grit Brokerage"
description: "The part of a domain name directly to the left of the top-level domain. In example.com, \"example\" is the second-level domain. It is the label a..."
url: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/second-level-domain
publisher: Grit Brokerage
contact: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact
offer: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/inquiry
---

Registration and DNS

# Second-level domain (SLD)

The part of a domain name directly to the left of the top-level domain. In example.com, "example" is the second-level domain. It is the label a registrant actually chooses and registers.

## Why it matters

The second-level domain is the part you buy, and it carries almost all the value in a sale. When people say they own a name, they mean this label plus its extension. A buyer of brand.com wants the word "brand" under .com, not under another extension. Extensions are separate products with separate owners. A common mistake is assuming owning the .com protects the same label in .net or .ai. It does not. Each combination is a different registration, and a different seller or buyer may hold it.

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

[Read nextHow Much Is My Domain Worth? Domain Valuation Explained](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/guides/domain-name-valuation)

## 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)