interface

noun

in·ter·face | \ ˈin-tər-ˌfās

Definition of interface

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : the place at which independent and often unrelated systems meet and act on or communicate with each other the man-machine interface

b : the means by which interaction or communication is achieved at an interface

2 : a surface forming a common boundary of two bodies, spaces, or phases an oil-water interface

interface

verb

interfaced; interfacing; interfaces

Definition of interface (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to connect by means of an interface interface a machine with a computer

2 : to serve as an interface for

intransitive verb

1 : to become interfaced

2 : to interact or coordinate harmoniously

Other Words from interface More Example Sentences Phrases Containing interface Learn More About interface

Examples of interface in a Sentence

Noun the interface between engineering and science The software has a user interface that's easy to operate. We installed an interface between the computer and the typesetting machine. Verb interface a machine with a computer the point at which the two machines interface

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun On a related note, there are many good, free photo-editing tools, but Gimp might be the most robust, thanks to its powerful editing features, digital retouching, multiple file support and customizable interface options. — Marc Saltzman, USA TODAY, 6 Aug. 2022 One recent example has to do with some interface changes on Instagram that were an attempt to make video much more obvious in the feed. — John Brandon, Forbes, 3 Aug. 2022 And most Alt Ctrl games typically piggyback on interface prototype platforms like Arduino or Makey Makey. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 3 Aug. 2022 Interior design and user interface used to be secondary, but BMW elevated it on the i3. — Wired, 1 Aug. 2022 For all its hype, Elon Musk’s Neuralink is just one of many companies working to bring brain-computer interface research into the commercial sphere — and one of the youngest, too. — Katie Palmer And Casey Ross, STAT, 28 July 2022 The functionality advertised by the apps includes photo editing, virtual keyboards, system optimization, wallpaper changers, user interface skins, and a notes/lists app. — Matthew Humphries, PCMAG, 27 July 2022 This particular game starts by picking up the pamphlet found in the bucket beneath the entrance sign to the Land Lab, then scanning a QR code to reach the game’s online interface. — oregonlive, 22 July 2022 This is our editorial team's favorite overall countertop ice maker thanks to its sleek design, high ice output, and easy-to-use interface. — Heath Owens, Popular Mechanics, 21 July 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb This one, if anything, has a more awkward first act, as our heroes interface with the Guardians of the Galaxy, who seem to have wandered in from their own metaverse and, frankly, should have stayed there. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 5 July 2022 The most basic way that humans use natural language to interface with machines is through search. — Rob Toews, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2022 In the digital space, there are many adaptive and assistive technologies in use, some of them with frankly amazing abilities—but very often the solutions are partial, or don’t interface well with each other. — Eamon Mcerlean, Forbes, 6 May 2022 Patterns emerge over time of how people interface with each other, machines, chatbots and applications. — Gene Chao, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2021 Instead of receiving annoying, boring emails or text messages, Vonage’s new software creates a universe in which shoppers can interface with live agents or artificial intelligence. — Jack Kelly, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2021 To do that effectively, the intelligence needs to directly interface with the sensors producing the data. — Max Versace, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2022 Carty is working with Herr’s team to improve on a bionic limb that is able to interface with these new types of amputations. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 31 Dec. 2021 For example, Vanguard could work with plan sponsors to build custom applications or intranet sites that interface with the recordkeeper and update in real time. — Patrick Moorhead, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interface.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Buying Guide

Our Reviews team has selected the best computers and accessories.

Learn More About interface

Dictionary Entries Near interface

interethnic

interface

interfacing

Statistics for interface

Last Updated

11 Aug 2022

Cite this Entry

“Interface.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interface. Accessed 11 Aug. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for interface

interface

noun

in·ter·face | \ ˈint-ər-ˌfās

Medical Definition of interface

: a surface forming a common boundary of two bodies, spaces, or phases interfaces between various tissues such as skin, fatty tissue, and muscle— H. P. Schwan

Other Words from interface

interface transitive verb interfaced; interfacing

interfacial \ ˌint-ər-ˈfā-shəl

\ adjective