(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)
