A1adjective1K

Online

UK /["/ˌɒnˈlaɪn/"]/US /["/ˌɑːnˈlaɪn/"]/

Definition

available on or done using the internet or other computer network

In simple words: Related to the internet or connected to the internet.

Examples

  • I prefer to shop for clothes online rather than in stores.
  • Many students attend online classes to learn from home.
  • You can find a lot of information online easily.
  • Online gaming has become very popular among teenagers.
  • I enjoyed our online chat last night.

Usage notes

Use 'online' when talking about things that are available or active on the internet. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it in contexts unrelated to the internet.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'online' as 'on the line' of the internet.

Collocations

  • online connection
  • online shopping
  • online education
  • online presence
  • online community

Synonyms

  • digital
  • internet-based
  • web
  • connected
  • virtual

Antonyms

  • offline

Common mistakes

  • 'Online' is not used to describe something that is not on the internet.
  • Confusing 'online' with 'offline' means misunderstanding their opposite meanings.
  • Using 'onlines' as a plural form is incorrect.