offline

[awf-lahyn, of-] /ˈɔfˈlaɪn, ˈɒf-/

adjective

Computers. operating independently of, or disconnected from, an associated computer.

Radio. (of a network) not supplying affiliated stations with programming but allowing each station to program its own shows, usually within a specific format.

Television. of or pertaining to the preliminary planning and editing of a videotaped program.

located in or serving a place not on a regular route of a railroad, bus, or air carrier:

an offline ticket office.

adverb

in or to a more private place:

We should take this discussion offline.

Also, off-line, off line.

Compare online.

Origin

1925-30

British Dictionary definitions for off-line

offline

/ˈɒfˌlaɪn/

adjective

of, relating to, or concerned with a part of a computer system not connected to the central processing unit but controlled by a computer storage device See online

disconnected from a computer; switched off

extra to or not involving a continuous sequence of operations, such as a production line

(radio, television) (of processes, such as editing) not carried out on the actual transmission medium

adverb

while not connected to a computer or the internet

Word Origin and History for off-line

adj.

1926, of railroads; 1950, of computers; from off (adv.) + line (n.).

off-line in Technology

jargon
(Or "offline")
1. Not directly connected to the computer (e.g., an off-line tape drive), or with connection suspended ("take the printer off-line").
Contrast background, on-line.
2. Not now or not here. "Let's take this discussion off-line." Specifically used on Usenet to suggest that a discussion be moved off a public newsgroup to e-mail.
See also off-line world.
[Jargon File]
(1996-02-02)