Search Intent
Simple Definition
The reason someone typed a search query into Google.
Technical Definition
Search intent (also called user intent or query intent) is the primary goal a user has when entering a search query. Google classifies intent into four main types — informational, navigational, transactional, and commercial investigation — and ranks pages that best match the intent for a given query.
Example
If someone searches "how to fix a leaking pipe", their intent is informational. If they search "buy plumber near me", their intent is transactional.