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
Hooper has been charged with first-degree murder, according to online court records reviewed by PEOPLE. Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025 Some were mocked or derided in social media posts and online commentary. Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 26 Dec. 2025 Over the next 23 years at the online giant, Hart reported directly to Bezos as technical advisor to the CEO, and to Amazon’s current CEO, Andy Jassy. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025 Reaction to the change has been mixed on online forums such as Reddit, where users debated whether basic economy travelers should expect to earn loyalty rewards at all. Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025 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 31 Dec. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on on line

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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