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
Future Beauty noted that this structural shift in the local market led to the slowdown in domestic brands’ online growth. Denni Hu, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2026 Inventory at the Statesmen Market primarily depends on what the Greater Chicago Food Depository has to offer, but there is an online system for Kennedy-King to order select items and quantities from the pantry’s warehouse. Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026 An online claim in the same name also took responsibility for Wednesday’s stabbing. Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026 Arriving flights at Dallas Love Field airport are facing a delay of an hour and seven minutes on average, according to online flight tracking service FlightAware. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 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 1 May. 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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