status bar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “status bar” mean?
A horizontal bar at the bottom or top of a computer application window that displays information about the current state of the program or system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A horizontal bar at the bottom or top of a computer application window that displays information about the current state of the program or system.
Any visual indicator strip showing progress, status, or contextual information in digital interfaces, including mobile apps, websites, and operating systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; both use 'status bar'. Spelling follows regional conventions for related terms (e.g., 'colour' vs. 'color' in settings).
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US computing contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “status bar” in a Sentence
The status bar displays [information]You can see [details] in the status barCheck the status bar for [updates]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “status bar” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The programme status-bars the download progress.
- It status-barred the connection quality.
American English
- The app status-bars the battery level.
- It status-barred the upload status.
adverb
British English
- The icon flashed status-bar style.
- It updated status-bar quickly.
American English
- The message appeared status-bar fast.
- It showed status-bar briefly.
adjective
British English
- The status-bar information is helpful.
- A status-bar notification appeared.
American English
- The status-bar display is configurable.
- Status-bar settings are in preferences.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in software training and IT support documentation.
Academic
Appears in human-computer interaction research and interface design papers.
Everyday
Common when discussing computer problems or giving tech instructions.
Technical
Standard term in software development, UI/UX design, and system administration.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “status bar”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “status bar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “status bar”
- Using 'status bar' for physical bars or counters.
- Confusing with 'address bar' or 'menu bar'.
- Misspelling as 'statusbar' (should be two words).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is conventionally written as two separate words: 'status bar'.
A status bar displays information, while a toolbar contains interactive buttons or controls.
In many applications, yes – check settings or preferences for customization options.
Yes, mobile operating systems have status bars showing battery, signal, time, and notifications.
A horizontal bar at the bottom or top of a computer application window that displays information about the current state of the program or system.
Status bar is usually technical/neutral in register.
Status bar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsteɪtəs bɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstætəs bɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Keep an eye on the status bar”
- “What's the status bar saying?”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STATUS report displayed in a BAR at the bottom of your screen.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A VISUAL STREAM / SYSTEM STATE IS A PHYSICAL LOCATION
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a status bar?