1
: mutually or reciprocally active
2
: involving the actions or input of a user
especially : of, relating to, or being a two-way electronic communication system (such as a telephone, cable television, or a computer) that involves a user's orders (as for information or merchandise) or responses (as to a poll)
interactively adverb

Examples of interactive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Below, shop some of the top toys for kids of all ages, including imaginative toys for preschoolers, interactive toys for big kids and toys focused on learning and development for babies and toddlers. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 Potential applications include voice assistants and interactive characters. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026 With 30 audio sensors listening for racket strikes and ball bounces, and four cameras tracking play, the machine stands at one end of the net, offering interactive drills and real-time feedback, and recording and analyzing matches. — Matthew Huff, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Over the decades, movie showings turned into interactive experience, according to History. — Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interactive

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of interactive was in 1832

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interactive. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

interactive

adjective
1
: active between people, groups, or things
2
: involving the actions or input of a user
an interactive museum exhibit
especially : allowing two-way electronic communications (as between a person and a computer)
interactively adverb
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