The term 'semantic web' refers to an extension of the World Wide Web, aimed at enabling machines to understand and interpret data in a more meaningful way. It employs a range of technologies, such as RDF (Resource Description Framework) and OWL (Web Ontology Language), to create a structured format for data, allowing for more intelligent search capabilities. By adding metadata and linking information, the semantic web facilitates better data interoperability and integration, improving user experience and enhancing the efficiency of information retrieval.