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

Streaming platforms like Netflix provide personalized content suggestions and user interfaces that cater specifically to individual preferences. —Brad Anderson, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024

The developers updated the user interface to make text more readable and Otis less annoying though the mall service worker does call players often. —Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2024

Apple has updated several of the core user interface elements of the device, including the lock screen, home screen, and Control Center to support a wider range of colors and customization. —Kif Leswing, CNBC, 15 July 2024

On the other hand, a square face can potentially show information more efficiently, since the user interface doesn't have to be designed around incorporating arcs or otherwise bending and orienting text and graphics outside of a typical grid. —PCMAG, 14 Aug. 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