Intro
Capture definition-led searches in GSC so you can measure demand for explanatory content and glossary-style pages.
Use this regex to isolate explicit definition queries in GSC when users are trying to understand a concept or term clearly.
The Regex
How This Regex Works (Explained Simply)
()
Parentheses group terms together so GSC treats them as one unit. That is what lets one regex cover several query variants in a single filter.
|
The pipe means OR. GSC will match any term on either side of the pipe, which is useful for variants, modifiers, or alternative phrases.
\b
Backslash-b marks a word boundary. It helps stop short terms from matching inside longer words in GSC queries.
GSC regex is case-insensitive by default, so capital letters do not need separate variants. GSC also uses partial matching by default, so the regex can match part of a longer query unless you anchor it with ^ or $.
What This Regex Does
- Matches queries that include a direct definition modifier.
- Surfaces users who want a plain-language explanation rather than a workflow.
- Supports glossary, terminology, and concept pages.
What it does not match
- what is cannibalisation - This needs the broader variation if you want to include it.
- how to fix cannibalisation - This is action-led rather than definition-led.
Edge Cases
- Because this uses partial matching, definition phrases can appear anywhere in the query.
- What is is included only in the variation because some teams want a stricter definition-only segment.
Example Matches Table
| Query | Match | Why |
|---|---|---|
| definition of cannibalisation | Match | Contains definition as a standalone word. |
| define branded query | Match | Contains define, which is part of the grouped pattern. |
| what is cannibalisation | No | This needs the broader variation if you want to include it. |
| how to fix cannibalisation | No | This is action-led rather than definition-led. |
How to Use This in Google Search Console
- Open Performance and go to Search results.
- Click Add filter and choose Query.
- Select Custom (regex).
- Paste the regex and click Apply.
When to Use This
- Audit glossary and concept content performance.
- Find terms that need simpler definitions in your content.
- Compare explicit definition demand against other informational segments.
Pro Tips
- Add what is if your goal is to merge direct definition modifiers with question-style definitions.
- Definition queries often deserve concise intros plus expandable depth lower on the page.
- Review CTR alongside position because definition SERPs can absorb clicks differently.
- Use this to build or expand terminology libraries.
Variations
Include what is phrasing
Blends explicit definition modifiers with the most common question-style definition phrase.
Related Regex Recipes
Regex for "What is" Queries
Use this regex to isolate what is queries in GSC when you want to measure definition-led or concept-led informational demand.
Regex for Question Keywords
Use this regex to isolate question keywords in GSC and see how well your content captures query-led informational demand.
CTA
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