AdWords is an online advertising platform developed by Google that allows businesses to create ads that appear on Google's search engine results pages and other websites. Advertisers bid on specific keywords, and when users search for those terms, the ads may show up, helping businesses reach potential customers effectively. The platform operates on a pay-per-click (PPC) model, meaning advertisers only pay when someone clicks on their ad. AdWords offers various ad formats, including text, display, and video ads, enabling businesses to choose the best way to connect with their target audience.