Reference · Glossary

Hybrid search

Combining **keyword search** (exact matches, BM25) with **semantic/vector search** so you catch both precise terms and meaning-based matches.

When to use

SKUs, error codes, legal clauses, plus natural-language questions — common in support bots and enterprise search.

When not to

Pure creative brainstorming with no fixed vocabulary — semantic-only may suffice.

Example

Query "error 502 gateway" → keyword finds the exact code; semantic finds "upstream timeout" docs even without "502."