ENGLISH
REFERENCE

online

adj. · adv. · v.
US //ˈɔnˌɫaɪn// UK //ˈɒnlaɪn// on·line
  1. 1 connected to the internet (adj.)
    A1 Beginner Computing

    connected to the internet or a computer network.

    connected to a central computer system or the internet.

    Example

    Is your computer online yet, or are you still having trouble with the Wi-Fi?

    Example

    The technician confirmed that the server was finally online after the scheduled maintenance window had concluded.
  2. 2 available on the web (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    found or done on the internet rather than in the physical world.

    available, performed, or existing on the internet.

    Example

    I prefer online shopping because I can compare prices more easily.

    Example

    The university offers several online courses for students who cannot attend lectures on campus due to professional commitments.
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  1. 3 active or running (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

    ready to use or currently working, like a factory or a power system.

    in an active or operational state, particularly regarding industrial facilities or power grids.

    Example

    The new power plant will be online by the end of the year.

    Example

    Engineers worked around the clock to bring the backup generators online before the storm reached the coast.
  2. 4 immersed in internet culture (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    spending a lot of time on the internet and knowing all the latest jokes and trends.

    heavily immersed in internet subcultures, memes, and social media trends.

    Example

    You have to be very online to understand that joke.

    Example

    The marketing campaign failed because it relied on obscure references that only extremely online people would recognise.
    • chronically online
  3. 5 using the internet (adv.)
    A2 Elementary

    while connected to the internet.

    in a state of being connected to the internet or a network.

    Example

    You can buy your tickets online to avoid the long queues at the station.

    Example

    Many employees now prefer to work online from home rather than commuting to a central office every day.
  4. 6 to make active (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    to start a system or make it available for use.

    to bring a system, network, or facility into an operational or active state.

    Example

    We need to online the new database before the morning shift starts.

    Example

    The IT department plans to online the upgraded security protocols over the weekend to minimise user disruption.
Origin

1950, from on + line.

Idioms1 entry

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