online

American  

[on-lahyn, awn-] / ˈɒnˈlaɪn, ˈɔn- /

Or on-line,

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.

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adverb

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

online British  

/ 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

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adverb

1. while connected to a computer or the internet

online Scientific  

/ ŏn′līn′ /

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

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online Cultural  

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.”)

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Etymology

Origin of online

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

Example Sentences

Of course, no influencer plot would be complete without the threat of online cancellation — and just when things can’t get any worse, Natalie enters the parallel universe of the past.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

All online and IT systems in schools in Northern Ireland are provided through the C2K network, managed by the EA.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Prediction markets are online marketplaces that allow people to buy and sell stakes in futures of almost anything, from sporting events to asset prices, elections and military conflicts.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Sales through Levi’s own physical and online stores — its direct-to-consumer, or DTC, business — rose 16%, while sales in its business with retailers rose 12%.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

“The online fandom would be in shambles. The wiki may crash.”

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas