Nostr Glossary
Learn the terminology and concepts you need to navigate the Nostr ecosystem.
_npub
Bech32-encoded public key format. Starts with "npub1" and is safe to share publicly.
_nsec
Bech32-encoded private key format. Starts with "nsec1" and should be kept secret.
Boost / Repost
Sharing someone else's note to your followers (Kind 6 event).
Censorship Resistance
The ability to publish content without being blocked by a central authority. A core Nostr feature.
Client
An application that connects to Nostr relays, allowing users to read and publish notes. Examples: Damus, Iris, Amethyst.
DM
Direct Message. Encrypted private messages between Nostr users (NIP-04 or NIP-17).
Event
The basic unit of data in Nostr. Can be a note (post), metadata, contact list, reaction, or other types.
Feed
A chronological stream of posts from accounts you follow, displayed in your Nostr client.
Follow List
A list of public keys you follow, stored as a special event (Kind 3) on relays.
Hashtag
Topics or keywords prefixed with # to categorize content and make it discoverable.
Kind
A number indicating the type of an event. Kind 1 is a text note (regular post), Kind 0 is metadata, etc.
Lightning Address
A human-readable identifier for receiving Lightning payments (like name@domain.com).
LNURL
Lightning Network URL. A standard for Lightning Network payment interactions.
Mention
Referencing another user in a note using their npub or NIP-05 identifier.
NIP
Nostr Implementation Possibility. A document describing how to implement specific Nostr features. NIP-01 is the basic protocol.
NIP-05
A standard for human-readable identifiers (like username@domain.com) mapped to Nostr public keys.
Nostr
Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays. A decentralized protocol for social media and other applications.
Nostr Address
A NIP-05 identifier that looks like an email address (username@domain.com) mapped to your npub.
npub
Your public key (public identifier) in Nostr. Safe to share with anyone. Looks like npub1...
nsec
Your private key (secret key) in Nostr. Never share this with anyone! Looks like nsec1...
Pubkey
Short for public key. Your identifier on the Nostr network, derived from your private key.
Reaction
A simple emoji response to a note (Kind 7 event). Usually a like (❤️).
Relay
A server that stores and forwards Nostr events. Users connect to relays to publish and receive content.
Relay List
A list of relays you use, stored as a special event (Kind 10002 with NIP-65).
Thread
A series of connected notes (replies) forming a conversation.
Zap
A Bitcoin Lightning Network payment sent over Nostr. Used to tip or support other users.
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Quick Reference
npub
Public key - Safe to share
nsec
Private key - Keep secret!
NIP-01
Basic protocol
Kind 1
Text note (post)