: connected to, served by, or available through a system and especially a computer or telecommunications system (such as the Internet)
an online database
also
: done while connected to such a system
online shopping
online games
online searching
online
adverb
Examples of on line in a Sentence
Adjective
The city libraries are all online.
He likes to engage in online chats.
Recent Examples on the Web
John Liu, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
In what neatly encapsulates the uncomfortable, rude, thin-skinned yet cruel, sarcastic and ultimately juvenile communication style of his online brood, the leader of the pack started with — what else — Lawrence’s looks.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
When our lives are increasingly online, Buy Nothing encourages us to get out of our cars and make connections with neighbors, even if the interaction is no more than a wave when picking something up left by a doorstep.
—Dania Maxwell, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
According to an online flu dashboard last updated Wednesday, 83 flu deaths have been reported in Arkansas during the 2025-26 flu season.
—Nathan Ansell, Arkansas Online, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for on line
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Adjective
Liu ordered the cake through an online delivery platform and, unsatisfied with his purchase, reported the vendor to local authorities.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
In what neatly encapsulates the uncomfortable, rude, thin-skinned yet cruel, sarcastic and ultimately juvenile communication style of his online brood, the leader of the pack started with — what else — Lawrence’s looks.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
When our lives are increasingly online, Buy Nothing encourages us to get out of our cars and make connections with neighbors, even if the interaction is no more than a wave when picking something up left by a doorstep.
—Dania Maxwell, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
According to an online flu dashboard last updated Wednesday, 83 flu deaths have been reported in Arkansas during the 2025-26 flu season.
—Nathan Ansell, Arkansas Online, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for on line
Cite this Entry
“On line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20line. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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