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 for ChatGPT Gov looks like ChatGPT Enterprise. —Hayden Field, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025

Ads must not impersonate the user interface of any web, app, or device feature, such as notifications or warning elements of a browser or operating system. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

Luma Dream Machine Luma’s Dream Machine is a foundation video model paired with a slick, feature-rich user interface. —IEEE Spectrum, 14 Jan. 2025

The most advanced vendors have already begun to include elements of AI user interfaces (AIUIs) in their applications. —Evgeny Grigul, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

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