recursive DNS lookup

A recursive DNS lookup is a process your device uses to find a website's IP address. When you type a website name, your device asks a local DNS server for the address. If the server doesn't know, it will ask other DNS servers, starting from the root and moving down the hierarchy, until it finds the correct IP address. This entire process is called a recursive lookup because the DNS server performs all the steps on your behalf, returning the final address to your device, enabling your browser to connect to the website.