: 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
Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
Minnesota prosecutors launched an online portal for residents to submit evidence related to the shooting in Minneapolis, vowing to probe the incident.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
My phone was my lifeline when I was stranded in paradise and acted as my connection to work, online travel booking platforms, my kids’ school district, and my family located elsewhere in the hotel, as well as back at home.
—Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Minneapolis public schools were closed Thursday and Friday because of the tumult, but the district directed teachers to report to their school building to receive more details from administrators about the online instruction option.
—Rebecca Santana, Fortune, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for on line
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
Some call it timeless, but others worry that in the world of quick-circuiting online trends, color drenching might be a regrettable move.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
Minnesota prosecutors launched an online portal for residents to submit evidence related to the shooting in Minneapolis, vowing to probe the incident.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
My phone was my lifeline when I was stranded in paradise and acted as my connection to work, online travel booking platforms, my kids’ school district, and my family located elsewhere in the hotel, as well as back at home.
—Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Minneapolis public schools were closed Thursday and Friday because of the tumult, but the district directed teachers to report to their school building to receive more details from administrators about the online instruction option.
—Rebecca Santana, Fortune, 10 Jan. 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 11 Jan. 2026.
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