online

Or on-line,

[on-lahyn, awn-]

adjective

1. operating under the direct control of, or connected to, a main computer.

2. connected by computer to one or more other computers or networks, as through a commercial electronic information service or the internet.

3. of or denoting a business that transmits electronic information over telecommunications lines.

   an online bookstore.

4. available or operating on a computer or computer network.

   an online dictionary.

5. by means of or using a computer.

   online shopping.

6. Radio.,  (of a network) supplying affiliated stations with all or a substantial part of their programming.

7. Television.,  of or relating to the final editing of a videotaped program.

8. done or accomplished while in operation or active service.

   online maintenance.

9. located on major routes or rail lines.

   online industries.

adverb

1. with or through a computer, especially over a network.

online

/ ˈɒnˌlaɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or concerned with a peripheral device that is directly connected to and controlled by the central processing unit of a computer

2. of or relating to the internet

   online shopping

3. occurring as part of, or involving, a continuous sequence of operations, such as a production line

adverb

1. while connected to a computer or the internet

online

1. Connected to or accessible by means of a computer or computer network.

online

1. A term referring to locations on or use of the Internet. The term can be used to refer to a specific location or Web page (“Our sales catalogues can be found online at — ”) or to a personal activity (“I went online to find the information you wanted.”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of online¹

First recorded in 1915–20 (in sense “located on rail lines”); 1945–50 for other senses

Example Sentences

There has been speculation about the size of the threat AI poses to high street and online travel agents - with AI booking agents now capable of taking actions on behalf of customers.

From BBC

Ms Souza was hospitalised in a critical condition and tests showed she had methanol in her system, as did her boyfriend, according to an obituary posted online.

From BBC

The move comes as the delivery sector suffers from increasing competition as people shop more online and get shopping delivered to their doorstops.

From BBC

Meg Moore, an avid online shopper from the Chicago area, said she plans to change her shopping habits.

From Los Angeles Times

“Limos” received positive reviews, with online immersive destination No Proscenium declaring it “impressively polished.”

From Los Angeles Times