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
Twenty-five percent of pupils elected to attend classes remotely when the district began offering online learning for students sheltering at home. Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 22 Feb. 2026 John Cantrell was the lead defense attorney, according to online court records. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026 The gold also caps off a four-year cycle during which Gu struggled with panic attacks and encountered online trolling in both the United States and China, where some citizens see her as a privileged interloper. Sean Gregory, Time, 22 Feb. 2026 Over centuries, the fascination with relics has of course led to abuses, with thefts, forgeries and now online sales all part of their history. Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 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 23 Feb. 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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