interactive

adjective

in·​ter·​ac·​tive ˌin-tər-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce interactive (audio)
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
interactivity noun

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 Enquirer's Neighborhood Snapshot project is an interactive, online tool for Cincinnatians to better understand their city and its neighborhoods. David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Feb. 2026 The exhibit will have many interactive elements. Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026 This interactive feature is provided and powered by Bankrate. Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2026 The museum uses interactive displays, as well as hundreds of hours of video and artifacts. Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 6 Feb. 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 10 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

interactive

adjective
in·​ter·​ac·​tive ˌint-ə-ˈrak-tiv How to pronounce interactive (audio)
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
interactivity noun

More from Merriam-Webster on interactive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster