Google Meet vocabulary is the practical language of video calls, host permissions, screen sharing, captions and recordings. Start with meeting link, meeting code, lobby or join request, Companion Mode, Present now, Chrome tab, live captions, Host management and recording. Each term describes a different action or permission.
The most important distinction is presenting versus joining. Google explains that choosing Present from the pre-join green room may enter a special Companion Mode without the normal microphone or speaker connection. Another important distinction is live captions versus recording: captions can help participants follow speech, but they are not automatically a permanently saved transcript. Recording has separate account, host and policy requirements.
Quick answer: Check the meeting link and Google Account, choose the correct microphone and camera before joining, then use Present now to share a tab, window or screen. For a web video with sound, Google’s guidance recommends sharing a Chrome tab with the relevant tab-audio option. If you need a permanent record, check recording eligibility and consent, then verify the saved file and permissions in the organiser’s Google Drive.
- Joining: distinguish meeting code, invite, host, co-host and access approval.
- Speaking: check mute, microphone, output device and connection quality.
- Presenting: select a tab, window or full screen deliberately.
- Accessibility: distinguish live captions, translation and transcripts.
- Hosting: use participant, chat, audio and video controls responsibly.
- Recording: understand notice, eligibility, saved files and privacy.
Google Meet is a separate product from Zoom. For related vocabulary, see Vocabulary for Zoom | Meetings, Screen Sharing and Work Terms Explained. This is a reader-focused glossary, not an account-specific meeting configuration.
How a Google Meet call works from invitation to follow-up
Imagine a family receiving an online parent-teacher conference invitation. The link identifies the meeting; the Google Account used to join may determine admission behaviour; the green room lets the attendee test the microphone and camera. An unknown participant might need host approval. Once inside, participants can talk, use chat or share eligible content according to the host’s controls.
Google’s current Meet help shows the meeting code in the desktop interface and explains that Meet’s layout groups microphone, camera, captions, hand raise and presenting controls. Features may look different on a phone and on a managed Workspace or Education account. The actual host or school administrator determines some permissions.
If the teacher shows a PDF, it can be presented as a screen, application window or browser tab. These choices differ in privacy exposure. When presenting a Chrome tab with supported tab audio, the shared audio can be heard by others; simply showing a browser page is not proof that every external sound has been transmitted. Read the available options before expecting the audience to hear a video.
Starting, joining and organising Google Meet calls
32 related terms. Each explanation is followed by a realistic use case to make the vocabulary practical.
Google Meet
Google’s video-conferencing service for supported personal, work and school accounts. Example: Join Meet from the trusted organiser’s link.
Meeting
A live session in which people communicate through selected audio, video and other functions. Example: A meeting needs a clear purpose and participants.
Meeting link
A URL opening or joining a particular Meet session. Example: Check the meeting link against the invitation.
Meeting code
The identifier used to join an eligible Meet meeting. Example: A meeting code is not a password for your Google Account.
Meeting nickname
A reusable or designated meeting name in eligible Google Workspace environments. Example: A school nickname may work only for authorised accounts.
Meeting organiser
The account responsible for creating a meeting through Calendar or another permitted workflow. Example: The organiser may own the recording file.
Host
A participant with appropriate meeting-management controls under the current meeting setup. Example: A host can control permitted features.
Co-host
An eligible meeting participant given selected host-management privileges. Example: Co-host rights depend on account and meeting settings.
Participant
A person attending or joining the session under permitted conditions. Example: A participant may be restricted from presenting.
Guest
Someone invited to attend through a meeting invitation or link. Example: Verify unknown guests before discussing confidential work.
External participant
A visitor from outside the host’s organisation, subject to access policies. Example: An external visitor can have different joining controls.
Join request
A request to be admitted when the meeting’s access rules require approval. Example: Check identity before approving a join request.
Knock
A colloquial Meet term for asking to enter a meeting when admission is required. Example: Knocking does not establish the visitor’s identity.
Admit
Allow a verified participant into the session through eligible meeting controls. Example: Admit only the expected visitor.
Deny entry
Refuse a join attempt under host controls or access rules. Example: Deny an unrecognised participant when appropriate.
Waiting area
The state in which someone is unable to enter until authorised, depending on access settings. Example: Wait for the host rather than restarting the device repeatedly.
Calendar invite
A scheduled event containing date, participants and a Meet link. Example: Read the time zone in the Calendar invite.
Start meeting
Launch a new or scheduled session as an eligible host or participant. Example: Start the correct class rather than a duplicate meeting.
Join meeting
Enter an existing meeting through an eligible code or invitation. Example: Join with the correct Google Account.
Leave meeting
Exit the active conversation without necessarily ending every participant’s session. Example: Leave only when your discussion is finished.
End call for everyone
An eligible host control terminating the meeting session for participants. Example: Ending for everyone differs from leaving alone.
Meeting duration
The length of time a call has run or can remain active under plan rules. Example: A free account may have different duration limits.
Guest permissions
Rules restricting who can join, present or interact under current controls. Example: Review guest permissions before the workshop.
Meeting access
A set of options governing admission requirements and invitations. Example: Restricted access suits sensitive meetings.
Meeting details
Information about the call, including its link, participants and associated resources. Example: Copy meeting details from the official interface.
Google Calendar integration
A supported way of scheduling and managing Meet through Google Calendar. Example: Use Calendar to send an accurate invitation.
Gmail integration
A supported way to launch or join calls through Gmail for eligible accounts. Example: Meet may be available in the Gmail interface.
Google Classroom integration
A supported school workflow for joining Meet sessions associated with a class. Example: A student should use the class’s authorised Meet link.
Companion Mode
A Meet joining mode designed for a second device or in-room participant without ordinary microphone or speaker audio. Example: Companion Mode helps avoid audio feedback in a conference room.
Green room
The pre-join preview where a person can inspect microphone, camera and selected meeting choices. Example: Check your microphone in the green room.
Meeting preview
A screen for checking device setup before entering the full session. Example: Meeting preview can catch an incorrect camera.
Account eligibility
The plan, age, domain or administrator requirements for a feature. Example: An education account may have different recording rights.
Audio, video and live captions
33 related terms. Each explanation is followed by a realistic use case to make the vocabulary practical.
Mute
Stop sending microphone audio to other participants. Example: Mute when not speaking.
Unmute
Turn microphone transmission back on when allowed. Example: Unmute before presenting an answer.
Microphone
The input device capturing the speaker’s audio. Example: Select the correct microphone in settings.
Microphone permission
The browser or device authorisation allowing Meet to capture audio. Example: A blocked microphone permission can make others unable to hear you.
Speaker
A device or system output that plays received meeting audio. Example: Check speaker settings when the call is silent.
Headphones
A personal audio device reducing sound leakage and some echo problems. Example: Headphones can help avoid feedback.
Audio feedback
A repeated or high-pitched sound caused by audio looping between output and input devices. Example: Two nearby open microphones may create feedback.
Echo
A delayed repetition of sound heard by participants. Example: Use one audio input in a shared room to reduce echo.
Background noise
Unwanted sound captured during the meeting. Example: Move away from traffic noise before answering.
Noise cancellation
Audio processing intended to reduce some unwanted sounds under supported settings. Example: Noise cancellation may alter unusual sounds or music.
Camera
The selected device providing live video to the meeting. Example: Test the camera before enabling it.
Camera permission
Authorisation allowing Meet to use video hardware. Example: Review device settings if the camera appears blocked.
Turn camera off
Stop sharing the camera’s video feed while leaving the rest of the meeting active. Example: Camera off does not mute your microphone.
Turn camera on
Enable eligible camera transmission to the meeting. Example: Check what is visible behind you.
Self view
The preview of your own video as displayed in the Meet interface. Example: Self view helps inspect camera framing.
Tile view
A layout showing several participants’ feeds together. Example: Tile view is useful during group discussion.
Speaker view
A layout emphasising the participant currently speaking or selected under settings. Example: Speaker view may change as participants talk.
Spotlight
A layout giving greater space to a particular video or presentation under supported controls. Example: Spotlight can focus attention on the main speaker.
Pin participant
Keep a chosen participant visible in your personal view without necessarily changing everyone else’s screen. Example: Pinning locally does not determine what is recorded.
Live captions
Text displayed during the meeting to represent speech under supported language settings. Example: Live captions help when audio is unclear.
Caption language
The language selected for caption display or recognition when offered. Example: Choose the speaker’s actual language.
Translated captions
Captions rendered in another language through eligible functionality. Example: Translated captions may require a supported plan.
Speech recognition
Technology estimating what people said from their audio. Example: Automatic recognition can mishear names.
Caption accuracy
How closely displayed words represent the original speech. Example: Check numbers before acting on captions.
Caption customization
Settings for font, size, colour or background of eligible live captions. Example: Increase caption size for readability.
Caption history
The portion of past live captions available for review during a session under current controls. Example: Caption history is not necessarily a permanent transcript.
Live transcription
Generation of meeting speech as a text record through supported functionality. Example: Live transcription availability depends on account and host settings.
Transcript
A written record of meeting dialogue under applicable features. Example: A transcript can misattribute statements.
Speaker attribution
The process of identifying who spoke in a transcript or meeting note. Example: Wrong attribution can change responsibility for a decision.
Bandwidth
The amount of network data capacity available over time. Example: Low bandwidth can make video unstable.
Latency
A delay between speaking and other participants receiving the sound. Example: High latency can cause people to interrupt one another.
Packet loss
Network data that fails to reach its destination. Example: Packet loss can cause missing audio fragments.
Connection quality
The reliability and capability of the network being used. Example: Connection quality may vary during a meeting.
Screen sharing, presenting and collaborating
33 related terms. Each explanation is followed by a realistic use case to make the vocabulary practical.
Present now
The Meet control for sharing selected screen or window content with participants. Example: Use Present now for the prepared slides.
Entire screen
A presentation choice that may display the contents of the whole selected display. Example: Entire-screen sharing can expose notifications.
Window
A presentation choice for sharing one application window. Example: Share the slide window to reduce exposure.
Chrome tab
A presentation choice for sharing a selected browser tab, with supported audio options. Example: Present a Chrome tab when showing a web video.
Tab audio
Audio from the selected browser tab included in a compatible presentation. Example: Enable tab audio when presenting a clip.
Screen-sharing permission
The authorisation from device, browser and host settings that permits screen content to be shared. Example: A screen-sharing prompt may require operating-system permission.
Presentation source
The screen, window or tab selected to share. Example: Choose the right source before confirming.
Stop presenting
End the share without necessarily leaving the meeting. Example: Stop presenting before opening private email.
Presentation pause
A condition in which one presenter stops showing content because another takes over or another control applies. Example: Check who is presenting when the shared screen disappears.
Share file
Grant access to a document through supported Drive or Meet integration. Example: Sending a file link does not automatically give everyone permission.
Google Docs presentation
A supported presentation of Docs material into Meet from a compatible workflow. Example: Check document permissions before sharing.
Google Sheets presentation
Showing a spreadsheet through a supported Meet presentation route. Example: Hide confidential worksheet tabs before presenting.
Google Slides presentation
Showing slides through an eligible Meet integration or screen share. Example: Join the meeting before presenting to ensure correct recording behaviour.
Presenter controls
Options used by the person displaying material. Example: Presenter controls may be unavailable to ordinary viewers.
Co-presenter
Another authorised participant presenting or contributing to an eligible slide presentation. Example: Co-presenting differs from taking over the whole screen.
Picture-in-picture
A small always-on-top Meet view while working in another compatible application. Example: Picture-in-picture may help keep viewers visible.
Chat
The text messaging area for eligible participants under meeting controls. Example: Send the correct resource link in chat.
Chat moderation
Host controls that restrict or manage text communication under eligible settings. Example: Turn on moderation when unwanted messages interrupt.
Poll
A structured question allowing eligible participants to vote on response options. Example: A poll is useful for preferences.
Q&A
A feature for submitting and managing audience questions where supported. Example: Q&A separates questions from ordinary chat.
Hand raise
A visual signal that someone wishes to contribute. Example: Use Hand raise before interrupting.
Reaction
A quick emoji response intended to convey an immediate feeling. Example: A reaction is not formal approval.
Breakout room
A smaller group discussion session created within an eligible meeting. Example: Give each breakout room a clear task.
Breakout assignment
The placement of people into specific discussion rooms. Example: Check assignments before starting group work.
Whiteboard
A collaborative canvas for diagrams or idea organisation under eligible Workspace features. Example: Use a whiteboard to group questions.
Recording
A saved representation of eligible session video, audio and shared content. Example: Recording requires appropriate permission and notice.
Recording permission
The account and host requirements allowing someone to start a recording. Example: Not every Education plan includes meeting recording.
Recording notification
A notice telling participants when Meet recording starts or stops. Example: Review recording notice before presenting private material.
Recorded captions
Caption information preserved in an eligible recording when enabled. Example: Recorded captions may be processed after the video is ready.
Meeting recording file
An output stored in the organiser’s Google Drive under recording rules. Example: Recording links can be shared under file permissions.
Google Meet Drive folder
The organiser’s Drive storage area used for eligible Meet recordings. Example: Check recording access in Drive, not only in Meet.
Meeting minutes
An agreed written record of what was decided, distinct from raw transcripts or recordings. Example: Minutes should distinguish decisions from proposals.
Action item
A specified next task assigned to someone with a deadline. Example: List action-item owner and due date at the end.
Host controls, privacy and troubleshooting
30 related terms. Each explanation is followed by a realistic use case to make the vocabulary practical.
Host management
A collection of eligible controls governing participant interaction and meeting access. Example: Turn on Host management when necessary for moderation.
Host controls
An interface for meeting-management options available to organisers or selected co-hosts. Example: Review host controls before admitting external guests.
Co-host rights
Additional moderation privileges granted to eligible collaborators. Example: Co-host rights do not necessarily include every organiser action.
View-only role
A restricted participant capability in supported Meet configurations. Example: View-only can help manage large audiences.
Audio lock
A host action preventing selected participant microphone use under supported controls. Example: Audio lock is different from individually muting one person.
Video lock
A host action restricting selected participant camera use under supported controls. Example: Video lock may help with safety or bandwidth.
Remove participant
An authorised host action ejecting someone from a meeting. Example: Remove an unverified intruder.
Meeting security
The practices protecting session access, data and participant safety. Example: A meeting link is not a security policy by itself.
Waiting for approval
A status indicating the join request has not been admitted. Example: Wait for the host to approve the correct account.
Restricted meeting
A session configured for a narrower group under access settings. Example: Use restricted joining for confidential discussions.
Organisation policy
An administrator rule affecting feature availability, recording or invitations. Example: A company may block external Meet participants.
Education policy
School account conditions that can restrict Meet recordings or external access. Example: Teachers should check their Workspace for Education edition.
Recording eligibility
Requirements about account edition, role and host settings for saving recordings. Example: Education Fundamentals meetings may lack recording.
Consent
Appropriate permission to record or otherwise use information under local law and organisational policy. Example: Ask before recording a sensitive consultation.
Confidential discussion
An exchange containing private information requiring restricted handling. Example: Do not present a private client file in an open meeting.
Screen exposure
Unintended disclosure of notifications or unrelated files during a share. Example: Close confidential windows before presenting.
Wrong meeting link
A link opening a different session from the intended one. Example: Check the Calendar event rather than guessing the meeting code.
Mic not working
An audio problem that may involve muted status, input choice or permissions. Example: Test microphone permissions first.
Camera not working
A video problem involving hardware, another application or access permissions. Example: Close competing camera apps and test again.
Audio not working
A failure to hear or transmit sound for one or more participants. Example: Check device output and mute status.
Connection drop
An interruption caused by network or device conditions. Example: Rejoin through the trusted original link if disconnected.
Reconnect
Restore participation after a network or application interruption. Example: Reconnect with the same intended account.
Browser compatibility
Whether a browser version supports the requested Meet capability. Example: Some advanced features require a supported browser.
Device compatibility
Whether a phone or computer supports the meeting feature. Example: A mobile user may not be able to start a recording.
Help request
A question submitted through Google’s official support or an organisation’s administrator. Example: Include the exact device and error.
Phishing invite
A deceptive calendar or meeting link used to steal information. Example: Verify an unexpected invite from a financial institution.
Unknown attendee
A participant whose real identity or purpose is not established. Example: Confirm an unknown attendee before discussing private data.
Meeting feedback
A report or rating about connection quality or meeting features under available controls. Example: Feedback is not a substitute for reporting a security incident.
Sign out
End account access on the current device according to Google controls. Example: Sign out on a shared public computer.
Access review
Checking who can join a session and access later recordings. Example: Review access after a meeting involving external guests.
Five Google Meet problems explained
I joined, but nobody can hear me
First distinguish device permissions from mute state. A crossed-out microphone icon can indicate that audio transmission is disabled. An incorrect microphone selection or browser permission can also prevent capture. If an attendee clicked Present in the green room before joining and entered Companion Mode, normal microphone and speaker audio may not be available in that mode. Rejoin normally if needed, rather than repeatedly unmuting an unavailable input.
Participants can see the video but cannot hear its sound
Google’s presenting instructions recommend using a Chrome tab with the option to share tab audio for a web video. Sharing only a window or full screen does not guarantee that all computer sound is transmitted in the same way. Check the selected presentation source and supported audio toggle before presenting, then ask one trusted participant to confirm playback.
The organiser wants a recording but the button is missing
Recording depends on Workspace edition, account role and host settings. Google’s Education guidance says Education Fundamentals and Education Standard accounts do not generally provide recording for meetings organised under those editions, while Teaching and Learning Upgrade and Education Plus have different eligible recording access. Do not assume every personal, work and school Meet session has the same controls.
An AI transcript says the wrong person agreed to something
A transcript can mishear speech, miss negation or attribute a statement incorrectly. The accurate record of a consequential decision should be verified with the relevant participants. A transcript is evidence of what was recognised; it is not automatically authoritative meeting minutes.
A stranger joined using a circulated meeting link
A link can spread beyond the intended attendees. The host should use eligible admission rules, Host management and remove-participant controls when appropriate. Verify unfamiliar participants before disclosing confidential material. After a recorded meeting, review who can access the file stored in Drive; meeting attendance and file-viewing permissions are separate layers.
Common Google Meet vocabulary mistakes
- Join link versus sign-in password: meeting access is not a request for account credentials.
- Green-room presentation versus normal meeting join: entering to present can use Companion Mode.
- Entire screen versus one window: sharing scope differs, including possible exposure of unrelated content.
- Window share versus tab audio: tab-audio controls matter for web video playback.
- Live captions versus saved transcript: real-time text is not necessarily a permanent record.
- Recording versus official minutes: captured media does not establish final decisions without review.
- Participant versus host: management privileges are not the same.
- Co-host versus organiser: selected powers are delegated and may not encompass all settings.
- Hand raise versus agreement: a request to speak does not imply approval.
- Presenting access versus file permissions: viewers may see a screen without being allowed to open the underlying document.
A safe five-step Google Meet routine
Before joining: verify the invitation’s date, time zone and meeting code, then test microphone, speaker and camera in the preview. On a shared device, confirm the intended Google Account.
Before sharing: close confidential tabs, notifications and unnecessary applications. Choose the narrowest presentation source that meets the task.
During discussion: use Hand raise, chat and live captions when useful. Never treat automatically generated wording as a flawless legal, medical or financial record.
Before recording: check organisational rules, eligible plan, host rights and appropriate consent. Understand where the recording will be saved and who might receive its link.
After the meeting: confirm decisions, action owners and deadlines. Store relevant materials in an authorised place, then review permissions for outsiders and unnecessary collaborators.
Practice: choose the correct Meet word
- A user is waiting for host admission: join request.
- Someone joined only to present, without ordinary mic audio: Companion Mode.
- A web video should include its sound: Chrome tab plus tab-audio sharing.
- The host controls whether everyone can speak: Host management and audio lock.
- Live words are displayed during speech: captions.
- Meeting dialogue is retained as written text: transcript, where eligible.
- An authorised host saves the session: recording.
- A selected attendee is removed for disruption: remove participant.
- The presenter is shown larger in one person’s view: pin or layout choice.
- The organiser distributes a recording after the call: Google Drive file access.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Google Meet code and link?
A code is an identifier for joining a meeting; a link is a URL that typically contains or references that identifier.
Why does Companion Mode have no normal microphone audio?
It is designed for a supplementary presentation or meeting-room device, reducing duplicate audio connections. Join through the standard route when a normal speaker and microphone connection is needed.
How do I share a video with sound?
Google’s current guidance recommends presenting a Chrome tab and enabling tab audio for a suitable web video.
Are live captions always saved?
No. Captions for a live session are different from transcripts and recording captions, whose availability depends on features and settings.
Can every Google account record a meeting?
No. Recording availability depends on the Workspace edition, user role, administrator policy and meeting configuration.
Where do eligible Meet recordings go?
Google says recordings are stored in the organiser’s Drive, in a Google Meet folder, with appropriate notifications and links.
Can hosts restrict microphones and cameras?
Yes, supported Host management controls include audio and video locks and other moderation options.
Can a meeting link be sent safely to anyone?
No. A widely circulated link can attract unintended visitors. Use access controls and verify identities when privacy matters.
Official Google Meet sources
- Google Meet Help — join a video meeting
- Google Meet Help — present during a video call
- Google Meet Help — use live captions
- Google Meet Help — record a video meeting
- Google Meet Help — manage host controls
- Google Meet Help — learn the computer meeting layout
- eduKateSG — Vocabulary for Google Calendar
- eduKateSG — Vocabulary for Zoom
Google Meet feature names and eligibility can change with Workspace editions, mobile devices and managed school accounts. Confirm current settings in the organiser’s own meeting before making a privacy-sensitive decision.