Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • adjective Not connected to a central computer or computer network.
  • adjective Not accessible via a computer or computer network.
  • adjective Not in operation or production, especially as part of a supply chain.
  • adjective Conducted in private or without the knowledge of others.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective Of a system, currently not connected (generally electrically) to a larger network. For example, a power plant which is not connected to the grid, or a computer which is not connected to the Internet or to any other communications service.
  • adjective Happening in the physical world (the real world) as opposed to on the internet.
  • adverb While offline; with an offline system.
  • adverb corporate jargon Outside the current meeting, in a more private setting.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

off +‎ line

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