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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Many in the online pundit class balked at his article, casting it as anecdotal and credulous. Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 While tech companies have attempted to solve online fit issues since the 2010s, the rapid development of generative AI has finally made these applications good enough to meaningfully impact retailers' bottom lines. Dylan Butts, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2026 An online discussion about forming an unofficial supporters section brought four guys together for a beer. Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2026 Russia fired 286 drones at Ukraine overnight, 260 of which were downed, the Ukrainian Air Force said in an online statement. Arkansas Online, 5 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 6 Apr. 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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