graphical user interface
noun
Simple meaning
A user interface based on graphics instead of text.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
grafihkuhlyoozerinterfaysSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈɡɹæfɪkəlˈjuzɚˈɪntɚfeɪs
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
computing
A user interface based on graphics (icons and pictures and menus) instead of text; uses a mouse as well as a keyboard as an input device
computing
A type of user interface which allows people to interact with a computer through a metaphor of direct manipulation of graphical images and widgets in addition to text.
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
This meaning: A user interface based on graphics (icons and pictures and menus) instead of text; uses a mouse as well as a keyboard as an input device
Used this way, graphical user interface is a specialist word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. This is a computing use: it carries a fixed technical meaning inside software and systems work.
- Emotional tone
- Neutral
- Formality
- Specialist/technical
- Intensity
- Not strongly marked
- How common
- Specialized
- Connotation
- Clinical and technical
- Usage feel
- Technical and specialized
Where it naturally appears
- Technology
- Technical/specialist writing
- Business/professional
Usage note
In general conversation this sense usually needs explaining — outside its field, people reach for a plainer word.
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
Share your sentence
Ask Vocabaura
Understand the word your way.
What Does It Mean Here?
Words can change meaning depending on context.
Use it yourself
Knowing “graphical user interface” starts when you use it. Pick a next step, all free.
- Use it in a sentenceWrite your own line with “graphical user interface” and get instant feedback.
- Practice it in contextShort real-world questions, free, no credits.
- Review it laterSpaced review keeps the word from slipping away.
- Type itType “graphical user interface” from its meaning to lock in the spelling.
Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.