WHOIS
WHOIS is a query-response protocol used to look up registration information for domain names, IP addresses, and autonomous systems. A WHOIS lookup reveals the [[registrant]], registration and expiration dates, [[nameserver|nameservers]], and the [[registrar]] of record.
Example
Running a WHOIS lookup on example.com shows it was registered on August 14, 1995, and is managed by IANA.
Referenced in Guides
Domain Basics