DSL

American

abbreviation

digital subscriber line: a technology that allows high-speed transmission of text, audio, and video, usually over standard telephone lines; a form of broadband transmission.

Etymology

Origin of DSL

1995–2000

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Netherlands will have an auction for the January 2056 DSL on Tuesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

This makes it a reliable option for remote or rural areas where traditional services like DSL - a connection that uses telephone lines to transmit data - or cable are unavailable.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2024

Alcántara hit .136 with two homers, 10 RBIs and 21 steals last year for the DSL Cubs.

From Washington Times • May 25, 2023

It sounds like your service works near the DSL modem but that the computer in your more distant office loses connectivity.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 3, 2022

Especially if you still have DSL service from your local phone company, check to be sure that no faster alternative has materialized in your area.

From The Verge • Aug. 1, 2022

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023