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

Researchers also analysed what happened to an online community of more than two million Reddit users dedicated to discussing AI companions, when the tech failed.

From BBC

GrlSwirl has an international following with chapters in more than seven cities and an online community spanning 80 countries.

From Los Angeles Times

“They have very limited branding in the series. There are many other things named ‘Roomies’ online, so it’s unclear that it is Bilt.”

From Los Angeles Times

The guest pass can be applied for online the day of or up to seven days in advance of visiting OAK.

From Los Angeles Times

Brekke recently implemented online ticketing, but you still have to pick up your tickets at the box office and present them to a human being.

From Salon