Final answer:
The top-level domain (TLD) in a URL is the part after the last dot and denotes the affiliation or purpose of the website. Examples include .edu for educational institutions, .gov for government entities, .org for non-profits, and .com for commercial businesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a URL, the top-level domain (TLD) is the part that comes after the last dot (".") in the domain name. It is used to categorize the website's affiliation or purpose. For example, a URL ending in .edu indicates that the website is affiliated with an educational institution, such as a college or university. A .gov TLD indicates that the site is owned by a governmental entity, while .org signifies that the site belongs to a non-profit organization. Commercial or business websites often end with the .com TLD, which is the most common top-level domain. Each TLD provides a clue about the organization, purpose, or region associated with the website and is an essential component in understanding its credibility and intended audience.