noun
Common
interface
IHN-tuh-fays
Interface (noun) means the point where two systems, devices, or people meet and interact. Example: “The interface between the pilot and the aircraft's computer must be clear and quick to read.”
noun
1
The point where two systems, devices, or people meet and interact.
"The interface between the pilot and the aircraft's computer must be clear and quick to read."
"The app has a clean, simple interface that's easy for beginners to use."
"Engineers designed a new interface between the two software systems."
verb
1
To connect with or communicate between systems.
"The printer interfaces with your laptop through a simple wireless connection."
"Our booking software must interface with the bank's payment system."
"The new sensor interfaces directly with the main control panel."
How to use interface
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe part of a system — often software — where a person or another system interacts with it, like buttons on a screen or a socket connecting two devices.
Common pairings
user interface
interface with
clean interface
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like interface.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- interfaces
- Third person singular
- interfaces
- Past tense
- interfaced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ between the pilot and the aircraft's computer must be clear and quick to read.
Etymology
From inter- ("between") plus face ("shape, form").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for interface
See all rhymes for interface →Frequently asked questions
What does “interface” mean?
The word “interface” means the point where two systems, devices, or people meet and interact. In plain terms, the part of a system — often software — where a person or another system interacts with it, like buttons on a screen or a socket connecting two devices.
How do you pronounce “interface”?
“Interface” is pronounced IHN-tuh-fays (/ˈɪn(t)ɚˌfeɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “interface” in a sentence?
Here is “interface” used in a sentence: “The app has a clean, simple interface that's easy for beginners to use.”
What part of speech is “interface”?
Depending on how it is used, “interface” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “interface” a common word?
“Interface” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “interface” have?
“Interface” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the point where two systems, devices, or people meet and interact.
What is the difference between an interface and an integration?
An interface is the point where two systems, devices, or people meet and interact. An integration is the deeper process of making those systems work together as one, whereas the interface is simply the shared boundary through which they connect.
Is 'interface' used as a noun or a verb?
Interface works as both. As a noun it names the point where two systems or people meet, and as a verb it means to connect with or communicate between systems, as in 'the two programs interface smoothly.'
What is the difference between a user interface and an interface?
An interface is any point where two systems or people meet and interact. A user interface is one specific type, the part of a device or program a person sees and uses to interact with it.
Do you say 'interface with' or 'interface to'?
The verb interface is most often followed by 'with,' as in 'the sensor interfaces with the computer.' This phrasing is standard when describing one system connecting or communicating with another.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include interface:
