1
: mutually or reciprocally active
2
: involving the actions or input of a user
especially : of, relating to, or being a two-way electronic communication system (such as a telephone, cable television, or a computer) that involves a user's orders (as for information or merchandise) or responses (as to a poll)
interactively adverb

Examples of interactive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The non-profit organization is dedicated to bringing interactive media into pediatric hospitals. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026 The competition will also benefit the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, which brings interactive media studios to pediatric hospitals so young patients can create content, host podcasts and interview celebrity guests while receiving care. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026 An Associated Press interactive map tracking the incidents of hybrid attacks shows an escalation, from 59 in March 2025 to more than 200 at this point. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026 Screens on the kiosks are interactive, enabling workers to communicate issues with their on-the-job handheld devices, including cell phones, body cameras, ring scanners, tablets, wands, RS scanners, or Zebra devices. — David Moin, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interactive

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of interactive was in 1832

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interactive. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

interactive

adjective
1
: active between people, groups, or things
2
: involving the actions or input of a user
an interactive museum exhibit
especially : allowing two-way electronic communications (as between a person and a computer)
interactively adverb
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