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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The surge of these platforms in 2024 is democratizing UX design, allowing non-developers to prototype and iterate on user interfaces rapidly. Goran Paun, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 The newest version of this real-time strategy classic comes with the requisite improvements in graphics and user interface, making the whole game much easier to look at and parse at a glance. Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 18 Sep. 2024 Each of these is available elsewhere in the camera user interface, but Apple tethers them to the Camera Control for easier access. PCMAG, 27 Sep. 2024 The proprietary user interface can be loaded with popular entertainment apps from the NetRange App Store, with Netflix pre-installed together with Prime Video and YouTube. Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2024 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 5 Nov. 2024.

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!