Definitions
01connected to the internet
A1 · Beginner Computing
adj. connected to the internet or a computer network.
adj. connected to a central computer system or the internet.
“Is your computer online yet, or are you still having trouble with the Wi-Fi?”
“The technician confirmed that the server was finally online after the scheduled maintenance window had concluded.”
Antonyms
02available on the web
A1 · Beginner
adj. found or done on the internet rather than in the physical world.
adj. available, performed, or existing on the internet.
“I prefer online shopping because I can compare prices more easily.”
“The university offers several online courses for students who cannot attend lectures on campus due to professional commitments.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03active or running
B2 · Upper Intermediate Technical
adj. ready to use or currently working, like a factory or a power system.
adj. in an active or operational state, particularly regarding industrial facilities or power grids.
“The new power plant will be online by the end of the year.”
“Engineers worked around the clock to bring the backup generators online before the storm reached the coast.”
Synonyms
04immersed in internet culture
C1 · Advanced Slang · Informal
adj. spending a lot of time on the internet and knowing all the latest jokes and trends.
adj. heavily immersed in internet subcultures, memes, and social media trends.
“You have to be very online to understand that joke.”
“The marketing campaign failed because it relied on obscure references that only extremely online people would recognise.”
Synonyms
05using the internet
A2 · Elementary
adv. while connected to the internet.
adv. in a state of being connected to the internet or a network.
“You can buy your tickets online to avoid the long queues at the station.”
“Many employees now prefer to work online from home rather than commuting to a central office every day.”
Antonyms
06to make active
C1 · Advanced Computing Technical
v. to start a system or make it available for use.
v. to bring a system, network, or facility into an operational or active state.
“We need to online the new database before the morning shift starts.”
“The IT department plans to online the upgraded security protocols over the weekend to minimise user disruption.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “online” in context.
Real-World Examples
“A slew of words and phrases about AI and technology has been added to the online version of the venerable Merriam-Webster dictionary, which has been a staple of US libraries and classrooms for decades and traces its roots back to a compendium of words published in 1806.” “Online posts sharing the headline of a satirical article that says the BBC is deploying drones to help with TV licence enforcement are being taken seriously online.” Etymology
1950, from on + line.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. come online
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/online
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0