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

on·​line ˈȯn-ˈlīn How to pronounce online (audio) ˈän-ˈlīn How to pronounce online (audio)
: 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
McCandless remained in custody Tuesday in the Republic County Jail in Belleville, online jail records showed. — Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026 An online petition singled out James, Manning, Daddario and model Emily Ratajkowski while calling on other famous endorsers to cut ties with the company. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 An online petition closed with over 1,950 signatures with residents hoping the new owners will work save some of the site. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026 The online destination is called Best Buy Gamers and is launching in a beta version. — Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing on line

Rhymes for on line

See All Rhymes for on line

Browse Nearby Words

on limits
on line
online
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“On line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20line. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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

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