online

or on-line, on line

[ on-lahyn, awn- ]

adjective

1. operating under the direct control of, or connected to, a main computer.
2. connected by computer to one or more other computers or networks, as through a commercial electronic information service or the internet.
3. of or denoting a business that transmits electronic information over telecommunications lines:

   an online bookstore.

4. available or operating on a computer or computer network:

   an online dictionary.

5. by means of or using a computer:

   online shopping.

6. Radio. (of a network) supplying affiliated stations with all or a substantial part of their programming.
7. Television. of or relating to the final editing of a videotaped program.
8. done or accomplished while in operation or active service:

   online maintenance.

9. located on major routes or rail lines:

   online industries.

adverb

1. with or through a computer, especially over a network.

online

/ ˈɒnˌlaɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or concerned with a peripheral device that is directly connected to and controlled by the central processing unit of a computer
2. of or relating to the internet

   online shopping

3. occurring as part of, or involving, a continuous sequence of operations, such as a production line

adverb

1. while connected to a computer or the internet

online

/ ŏn′līn′ /

1. Connected to or accessible by means of a computer or computer network.

online

1. A term referring to locations on or use of the Internet . The term can be used to refer to a specific location or Web page (“Our sales catalogues can be found online at — ”) or to a personal activity (“I went online to find the information you wanted.”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of online¹

First recorded in 1915–20 (in sense “located on rail lines”); 1945–50 for other senses

Example Sentences

She’d already ordered her vases online, and she wasn’t willing to spend the thousands of dollars she’d been quoted to have someone else prepare all the flowers for the wedding and reception with 28 guests.

From Los Angeles Times

The work hour reports had to be made online, even though the reporting website was out of order for long stretches and many enrollees didn’t have adequate internet access.

From Los Angeles Times

It urged the health system to take additional steps, including creating an online tool for patients to report incidents of suspected bias.

From Los Angeles Times

Speaking on the Today programme, on BBC Radio 4, he said he would "do what it takes" to keep people and in particular children safe online.

From BBC

In the 1990s and 2000s, the sisters had a knack for building community at shows and online, with Tegan in particular feeling a responsibility to their fans.

From New York Times