menu bar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Professional
Quick answer
What does “menu bar” mean?
A horizontal strip, typically at the top of a computer application window or screen, containing drop-down menus with commands and options.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A horizontal strip, typically at the top of a computer application window or screen, containing drop-down menus with commands and options.
A fundamental UI element in graphical user interfaces, organizing software functionality into labelled categories like File, Edit, View, etc. Metaphorically, any linear arrangement of selectable options.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent. Pronunciation may differ slightly.
Connotations
Identical; purely technical term.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects within computing contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “menu bar” in a Sentence
[application] + has + a menu bar[user] + clicks + on + the menu bar[menu bar] + appears + at the top[to] + hide/show + the menu barVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “menu bar” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not commonly used as an adjective]
American English
- [Not commonly used as an adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in office software training and IT support.
Academic
Appears in computer science, human-computer interaction, and digital literacy papers.
Everyday
Common in general computing help and conversation.
Technical
Core term in software documentation, UI design, and user guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “menu bar”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “menu bar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “menu bar”
- Incorrectly capitalising as 'Menu Bar' in general text. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will menu bar the option').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A menu bar contains text-based menus (like File, Edit), while a toolbar contains clickable icons for immediate actions.
Typically, no. The menu bar is conventionally fixed at the top of an application window, though some operating systems like macOS have a global menu bar at the very top of the screen.
Often, pressing the 'Alt' key or 'F10' key will temporarily reveal it, or check the 'View' menu for a 'Show Menu Bar' option.
In standard writing, it is most commonly written as two separate words: 'menu bar'. However, in some technical contexts and software documentation, it may be written as a single compound 'menubar'.
A horizontal strip, typically at the top of a computer application window or screen, containing drop-down menus with commands and options.
Menu bar is usually technical / professional in register.
Menu bar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmen.juː ˌbɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmen.ju ˌbɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a restaurant MENU, which lists options, presented on a horizontal BAR, like the bar where you might place your order.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTERFACE IS A SPATIAL LAYOUT; COMMANDS ARE OBJECTS IN CONTAINERS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a menu bar in software?