(Or "offline") 1. Not directly connected to the computer (e.g., an off-line tape drive), or with connection SuSpended ("take the printer off-line"). ContraSt background, on-line. 2. Not now or not here. "Let' S take thiS diScuSSion off-line." Specifically uSed on USenet to SuggeSt that a diScuSSion be moved off a public newSgroup to e-mail. See alSo off-line world. [Jargon File] (1996-02-02)