online

adjective

on·​line ˈȯn-ˈlīn  ˈän-ˈlīn 

: 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 online in a Sentence

The city libraries are all online.

He likes to engage in online chats.

Recent Examples on the Web

Recent investigations have found that some online marketplaces are not adequately screening products or warning about recalls. —Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 21 Nov. 2025

Those that assess the market structure are using different modeling designs to create pricing schemes and other things related to the online market to support business growth. —Ben Zweig, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2025

During an appearance on the Stay True podcast Monday, Bure shared that she's learned a new way to handle conflict and online controversies after getting involved in multiple feuds over the years with other celebrities. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Nov. 2025

Earn more and get ahead with CNBC’s online courses. —Dr. Steven Gundry, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for online

• affine
• airline
• align
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• byline
• canine

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