Online

Pronunciation

• enPR: ŏn'lÄ«n", IPA: /ˈɒnËŒlaɪn/

Alternative forms

• on-line

Origin

on + line

Full definition of online

Adjective

1. Describes a system which is connected (generally electrically) to a larger network.
1. Describes a generator or power plant which is connected to the grid.
2. Describes a computer which is connected to the Internet or to some other communications service – i.e., not simply with the cable plugged in, but has established a connection to a larger network (e.g., by dialing up).
   Is this modem online?
2. Available over, or delivered from, the Internet.
• 2013-05-25, No hiding place, In America alone, people spent $170 billion on “direct marketing”—junk mail of both the physical and electronic varieties—last year. Yet of those who received unsolicited adverts through the post, only 3% bought anything as a result. If the bumf arrived electronically, the take-up rate was 0.1%. And for online adverts the “conversion” into sales was a minuscule 0.01%.
3. I prefer to read the online newspapers.
4. Connected to the Internet.
   I'll be online tonight, so I'll be able to reply to your email.
5. Available on a computer system, even if not networked.
   Press the F1 key to access the online help.
   The program comes with an online manual.
6. Describes a system that is active, particularly building facilities (such as power) or a factory or power plant.
   The power is online.
   Once this factory comes online, it will double car production in our country!

Antonyms

• (connected to larger network) offline
• (available on a computer system) hardcopy

Derived terms

• massive open online course (MOOC)

Adverb

1. Describes actions performed over the Internet.He works online.

Anagrams

• El Nino, El Niño, Lonnie