on line

1 of 2

phrase

Synonyms of on linenext
: in or into operation
bringing the new factory on line

online

2 of 2

adjective

: 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
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Adjective
But the movie and Chalamet still got plenty of airtime as well as online discussion, as Timothée Chalamet’s comments about opera and ballet became a recurring theme of the night. Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026 The driver, 21-year-old Joel Gandarilla, was hospitalized and faces a charge of evading detention with a vehicle, according to the Police Department’s online arrest records. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026 Kevin Kinyon, co-founder of PetWorks, an online pet care booking platform, told USA TODAY. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026 The sheer wave of Payton favorites re-upping on minimum deals — tight end Nate Adkins, fullback Adam Prentice, receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey, running back Jaleel McLaughlin — has washed in heaps of online vitriol from Denver’s own fanbase. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on line

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of on line was in 1950

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“On line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20line. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

online

adjective
ˈȯn-ˈlīn
ˈän-
: relating to or connected to a computer or telecommunications system (as the Internet)
an online database
online adverb

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