interactive

1 of 2

adjective

1
: mutually or reciprocally active
2
: involving the actions or input of a user
especially : of, relating to, or being a two-way electronic communication system (such as a telephone, cable television, or a computer) that involves a user's orders (as for information or merchandise) or responses (as to a poll)
interactively adverb

interactivity

2 of 2

noun

: the fact or process of interacting

Examples of interactive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
To find your view from any place in the city, visit DC's interactive map. Mike Stunson, USA Today, 1 July 2026 The map is interactive and lists all facilities, their locations and their hours. Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Play soft music to drown out fireworks blasts and give your pet something to do, like putting treats inside an interactive toy, to keep them calm and happy. Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 There went my photos, travel notes, interactive water trail map, reservation emails, flight info, bank card. Betsy Andrews, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for interactive

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of interactive was in 1832

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interactive. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

interactive

adjective
1
: active between people, groups, or things
2
: involving the actions or input of a user
an interactive museum exhibit
especially : allowing two-way electronic communications (as between a person and a computer)
interactively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on interactive

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!