This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
online
or on-line, on line
[ on-lahyn, awn- ]
/ ˈɒnˈlaɪn, ˈɔn- /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective
adverb
with or through a computer, especially over a network.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Compare offline.
Origin of online
First recorded in 1915–20 (in sense “located on rail lines”); 1945–50 for other senses
Words nearby online
onlap, onlay, On Liberty, onliest, on-limits, online, online catalog, online dictionary, onliner, online thesaurus, onload
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use online in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for online
online
on-line
/ (ˈɒnˌlaɪn) /
adjective
of, relating to, or concerned with a peripheral device that is directly connected to and controlled by the central processing unit of a computer
of or relating to the internetonline shopping
occurring as part of, or involving, a continuous sequence of operations, such as a production line
adverb
while connected to a computer or the internet
See offline
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for online
online
[ ŏn′līn′ ]
Connected to or accessible by means of a computer or computer network.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for online
online
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.”)
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Other Idioms and Phrases with online
on line
See in line, def. 2.
Actively linked to or operating a computer, as in They haven't got the printer on line yet, or Mark's been on line all morning. [Late 1900s] Also see go on, def. 9.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.