interactive

American  

[in-ter-ak-tiv] / ˌɪn tərˈæk tɪv /

adjective

1. acting one upon or with the other.

2. of or relating to a two-way system of electronic communications, as by means of television or computer.

   interactive communications between families using two-way cable television.

3. (of a computer program or system) interacting with a human user, often in a conversational way, to obtain data or commands and to give immediate results or updated information.

   For many years airline reservations have been handled by interactive computer systems.

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interactive British  

/ ˌɪntərˈæktɪv /

adjective

1. allowing or relating to continuous two-way transfer of information between a user and the central point of a communication system, such as a computer or television

2. (of two or more persons, forces, etc) acting upon or in close relation with each other; interacting

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interactive Cultural  

1. If users receive real-time feedback from a computer so that they can modify the use of the machine, the hardware, software, or content, the system is said to be interactive.

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Other Word Forms

• interactively adverb
• interactivity noun
• noninteractive adjective

Etymology

Origin of interactive

First recorded in 1825–35; inter- + active

Example Sentences

“Ghost in the Machine: The Old Zoo” is just that, a site-specific interactive experience in which specters come to life via our mobile phones.

From Los Angeles Times

The iconic McDonald’s restaurant on the Champs Elysees became an interactive museum of American obesity.

From The Wall Street Journal

Alongside his ad for those services in the PC-themed magazine, however, is a page touting a new interactive game called Obex that guarantees to “put you inside” it.

From Los Angeles Times

From this summer, visitors will be invited to explore the forest and discover its newest inhabitant, a large-scale, mythical puppet creature inspired by the landscape and its unique species through a series of interactive performances.

From BBC

That’s not to make light of the interactive experience — which is among the most fun and inspiring activities for children at a local cultural institution — just to note that it’s a fun perk.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bilateral
• collective
• reciprocal