user interface

noun

plural user interfaces

: software that is designed to allow a computer user to interact with the operating system of a machine or system (such as by selecting presented options or entering text commands)

Likewise, the user interface is remarkably unintuitive, requiring a whirlwind of relentless mouse clicking to move, talk, touch, look, or manipulate onscreen objects.

—Scott A. May

… a new user interface he vows will change the way people use computers.

—InfoWorld

especially : graphical user interface

—abbreviation UI

Examples of user interface in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The feature works by taking screenshots automatically and interacting with the user interface just like a human user would, with virtual taps and swipes. —Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

Newer apps generally have better budgeting features, cleaner user interfaces, and stronger customer support. —Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 13 May 2026

Now, the company has developed a new user interface called Equinox. —Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 13 May 2026

Liquid Glass, Apple’s recent user interface redesign, has proven more controversial on Mac than on iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. —James Peckham, PC Magazine, 11 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for user interface

• abase
• airspace
• apace
• backspace
• biface
• birthplace
• blackface
• boldface
• bookcase
• braincase
• briefcase
• carcase

Kids Definition

user interface

noun

: software that is designed to allow a computer user to interact with the operating system of a machine or system

especially : graphical user interface