: 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
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 July 2026
In April, authorities say investigators with the California’s Contractors State License Board’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team discovered online advertisements offering construction services that did not list a contractor license number.
—
Jasmine Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2026
Thrive Market is an online, members-only marketplace that allows members to choose their favorite items from more than 5,000 products sourced from organic, sustainable and ethical brands.
—
Rachel Cortez,
USA Today,
4 July 2026
Don’t get all hot dog and bothered just yet about all the online claims that Team Norway somehow doesn’t trust American food.
—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for on line
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
Two people were arrested and charged with murder Thursday in the 2024 overdose death of a Fort Worth man, according to online jail records.
—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 July 2026
In April, authorities say investigators with the California’s Contractors State License Board’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team discovered online advertisements offering construction services that did not list a contractor license number.
—
Jasmine Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2026
Thrive Market is an online, members-only marketplace that allows members to choose their favorite items from more than 5,000 products sourced from organic, sustainable and ethical brands.
—
Rachel Cortez,
USA Today,
4 July 2026
Don’t get all hot dog and bothered just yet about all the online claims that Team Norway somehow doesn’t trust American food.
—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
4 July 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 5 Jul. 2026.
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