adj
Uncommon
offline
of-LYN
Offline (adj) means not connected to a network, especially the internet. Example: “The website has been offline for maintenance since noon.”
adj
1
Not connected to a network, especially the internet.
"The website has been offline for maintenance since noon."
2
Happening in the physical world rather than on the internet.
"They met offline for the first time after months of chatting online."
"Her offline friends are the ones she sees at the weekend, not the ones she chats with on the computer."
"The shop does well both online and in its busy offline store."
adv
1
Outside a formal meeting or conversation, in a more private setting.
"Let's take this discussion offline and finish it after the call."
"Can we talk about the budget offline, after everyone else has left the meeting?"
"He raised the concern with his manager offline rather than in front of the team."
How to use offline
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot connected to the internet or a network — or, more loosely, in real life rather than digitally.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
go offline
take it offline
offline mode
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- offlines
- Past tense
- offlined
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The website has been _____ for maintenance since noon.
Etymology
From off plus line, contrasted with "online".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for offline
See all rhymes for offline →Frequently asked questions
What does “offline” mean?
The word “offline” means not connected to a network, especially the internet. In plain terms, not connected to the internet or a network — or, more loosely, in real life rather than digitally.
How do you pronounce “offline”?
“Offline” is pronounced of-LYN (/ɔfˈlaɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “offline” in a sentence?
Here is “offline” used in a sentence: “The website has been offline for maintenance since noon.”
What part of speech is “offline”?
Depending on how it is used, “offline” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Is “offline” a common word?
“Offline” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “offline” have?
“Offline” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not connected to a network, especially the internet.
What is the difference between offline and online?
Offline means not connected to a network, especially the internet, or happening in the physical world rather than on the internet. Online is the opposite, referring to being connected to a network or to activity that takes place over the internet.
What does it mean to take a conversation offline?
To take a conversation offline means to discuss something outside a formal meeting or conversation, in a more private setting, rather than continuing in front of a wider group. This usage is common in workplace and meeting contexts when a topic is better suited to a one-on-one discussion.
Can offline describe things that have nothing to do with the internet?
Yes, offline can describe activity happening in the physical world rather than on the internet, such as an offline event or offline shopping. This usage contrasts real-world experiences with their digital or internet-based equivalents.
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