user interface

noun

plural user interfaces
: software that is designed to allow a computer user to interact with the operating system of a machine or system (such as by selecting presented options or entering text commands)
Likewise, the user interface is remarkably unintuitive, requiring a whirlwind of relentless mouse clicking to move, talk, touch, look, or manipulate onscreen objects.Scott A. May
… a new user interface he vows will change the way people use computers.InfoWorld
especially : graphical user interface
abbreviation UI

Examples of user interface in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What to Consider The user interface and offline functionality have room for improvement. Séamus Bellamy, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2025 The user interface and navigation tools mirror those on the desktop. PCMAG, 4 Feb. 2025 Automotive experts have noted that the user interface GM offers customers lags behind CarPlay in usability and appearance. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025 The season download option will be located next to the share button in the Netflix user interface. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for user interface 

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of user interface was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near user interface

Cite this Entry

“User interface.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/user%20interface. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

user interface

noun
: software that is designed to allow a computer user to interact with the operating system of a machine or system
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!