AI search glossary

    What is Generative engine?

    A generative engine is a search system that uses a language model to write an answer from multiple sources, rather than only listing links.

    The term was formalised in the 2023 GEO research paper.

    Why it matters for your business

    Generative engines decide which businesses get named in an answer. Understanding how they work tells you what to fix.

    How it works

    1. 1

      Retrieve

      They find relevant sources.

    2. 2

      Generate

      A language model writes an answer from those sources.

    3. 3

      Cite

      Many show links to the sources used.

    Common misunderstandings

    Myth

    Generative engines replace search engines.

    Reality

    Many, like Google's AI features, are built on top of a search index.

    What to do about it

    • Make your pages easy to retrieve and quote.
    • Build mentions so engines have evidence about you.

    Questions people ask

    Is ChatGPT a generative engine?

    When it searches the web and writes an answer from what it finds, yes.

    See where your business stands

    Run the Free Check

    Sources

    Related terms

    GEOAI search

    Defined by Dr. Radhakrishnan KG, founder of WebNamaste · Reviewed 6 October 2026