# Online: what it is and how it works · Zorraquino
> Online describes what happens on the internet, or a device, service or person connected to a network.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/on-line.html

# Online

Online describes what happens on the internet, or the state of a device, service or person connected to a network

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

It literally means “on the line”. It applies both to connection status, for example a user shown as online in a messaging app, and to any activity carried out over the internet: online shopping, online learning, online advertising or online reputation.

As opposed to offline, it describes the channel, not the value of the activity: an effective strategy usually combines both. The spelling “on line” with a space is outdated; online is the standard form.

Also known as

on-line, connected

Topics

[Technology and data](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/tecnologia-y-datos)

## Related concepts

- [Offline](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/off-line.html)
- [Digital marketing](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/digital-marketing/digital-marketing.html)
- [Online reputation](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/digital-marketing/online-reputation.html)