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

The user interface is similar to the Files app on iPad and iPhone. —PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024

The app looks convincing, complete with logos and familiar user interface elements. —Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

The oven has a knob-free design with a single touchscreen user interface, with a top unit that functions as a microwave, convection, thermal, or halogen cooker, and a bottom that offers steaming options. —Jessica Klein, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024

Many systems are often difficult to navigate, with cumbersome user interfaces and features hidden behind opaque menus or hidden in system settings and preferences. —Ron Schmelzer, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

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

especially : graphical user interface