: 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 online in a Sentence
The city libraries are all online.
He likes to engage in online chats.
Recent Examples on the Web
One of our critical global tasks is to connect the 2.6 billion people around the world who are not online.
—
Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2024
The ship, which is operated by French logistics company CMA CGM, is now sailing down the East Coast to the port of Norfolk in Virginia, according to online tracker Vessel Finder.
—Owen Bellwood / Jalopnik, Quartz, 8 Apr. 2024
Be a continuous learner; invest in developing new skills and competencies by taking online courses, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship opportunities.
—Ebony Flake, Essence, 8 Apr. 2024
Many refer viewers to other products — including stock tips, books and online courses — after offering questionable tax tips.
—Julie Zauzmer Weil, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2024
The resource page does not recommend searching for eclipse glasses on Amazon, eBay, Temu or any other online marketplace and buying from whichever vendor offers the lowest price.
—Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024
To help emergency responders and residents prepare, ODOT created an interactive online map forecasting traffic that day.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 7 Apr. 2024
The apprentice level is achieved by taking an online course that offers a certificate.
—Geraldine Castro, WIRED, 6 Apr. 2024
Several online calculators, including one on the AHA’s website, can also predict a person’s risk of heart disease, Elgin told Health.
—Lauryn Higgins, Health, 27 Mar. 2024
Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2024
The ship, which is operated by French logistics company CMA CGM, is now sailing down the East Coast to the port of Norfolk in Virginia, according to online tracker Vessel Finder.
—Owen Bellwood / Jalopnik, Quartz, 8 Apr. 2024
Be a continuous learner; invest in developing new skills and competencies by taking online courses, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship opportunities.
—Ebony Flake, Essence, 8 Apr. 2024
Many refer viewers to other products — including stock tips, books and online courses — after offering questionable tax tips.
—Julie Zauzmer Weil, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2024
The resource page does not recommend searching for eclipse glasses on Amazon, eBay, Temu or any other online marketplace and buying from whichever vendor offers the lowest price.
—Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024
To help emergency responders and residents prepare, ODOT created an interactive online map forecasting traffic that day.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 7 Apr. 2024
The apprentice level is achieved by taking an online course that offers a certificate.
—Geraldine Castro, WIRED, 6 Apr. 2024
Several online calculators, including one on the AHA’s website, can also predict a person’s risk of heart disease, Elgin told Health.
—Lauryn Higgins, Health, 27 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'online.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1950, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near online
Cite this Entry
“Online.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/online. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
online
adjectiveˈȯn-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 online
Nglish: Translation of online for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of online for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share