The acronym HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is a fundamental protocol used for transferring data over the World Wide Web. HTTP facilitates the communication between web clients (like browsers) and servers by defining how messages are formatted and transmitted. It enables users to request and receive web pages, images, and other resources effectively. The evolution of HTTP has led to newer versions, such as HTTP/2 and HTTP/3, which improve speed and security, enhancing overall web browsing performance.