Domain Name Registry

A domain name registry is an organization that maintains control over a specific TLD (domain extension).  For example, Verisign is the registry that manages the popular .com and .net TLDs, as well as several other domain extensions.  deNIC is the registry that manages the country code domain .de used in Germany.  Public Interest Registry (PIR) is the registry that manages the .org extension.  Some registries provide service direct to their end users (registrants), while many work with registrars to manage the domains and registrants.