command line: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical, Academic, Professional
Quick answer
What does “command line” mean?
A text-based interface where users type commands to interact with a computer's operating system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A text-based interface where users type commands to interact with a computer's operating system.
A mode of computer operation or a specific environment (the command-line interface or CLI) where instructions are given via textual commands, as opposed to a graphical user interface (GUI).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. Spelling of associated terms may vary (e.g., 'programme' vs. 'program').
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equal frequency in technical/professional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “command line” in a Sentence
[Verb] + command line (e.g., use, access, open, launch)command line + [Verb] (e.g., accepts, executes, displays)[Adjective] + command line (e.g., Linux, Windows, simple, powerful)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “command line” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- It's a powerful command-line utility.
- He prefers command-line administration.
American English
- It's a powerful command-line tool.
- She used a command-line argument.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in IT departments ("The server can be configured via the command line.")
Academic
Common in computer science and IT courses.
Everyday
Uncommon; typically used by tech enthusiasts or professionals.
Technical
Core, frequent term in IT, systems administration, software development, and devops.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “command line”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “command line”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “command line”
- Using 'command line' as a verb (e.g., 'I will command line the server').
- Confusing 'command line' (noun) with 'command-line' (adjective, as in 'command-line tool').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most correctly written as two words ('command line') as a noun, and hyphenated as an adjective ('command-line tool').
The 'command line' is the interface concept. A 'terminal' is the program that provides access to it. A 'shell' (e.g., Bash, PowerShell) is the program inside the terminal that interprets your commands.
For general users, no. For developers, IT professionals, data scientists, or system administrators, it is an essential skill.
The Command Prompt (cmd.exe) is a specific command-line interpreter for Windows. The term 'command line' is more general and can refer to cmd.exe, PowerShell, Linux terminals, etc.
A text-based interface where users type commands to interact with a computer's operating system.
Command line is usually technical, academic, professional in register.
Command line: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈmɑːnd ˌlaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈmænd ˌlaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A black screen and a blinking cursor: a metonym for the stark, text-only command line.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of giving a direct verbal COMMAND to a computer on a single LINE of text.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONVERSATION / DIALOGUE (user 'speaks' commands, computer 'replies' with text).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary antonym of 'command line' in computing?