upload
Americanverb (used with object)
noun
-
software, data, etc., that has been uploaded.
-
the act or process of uploading.
verb
-
To transfer data or programs from one's own computer or digital device to a server or host computer.
-
Compare download
Other Word Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has uploadedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have uploadedperfect
-
has been uploadingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
have been uploadingperfect progressive
-
are uploadingprogressive
-
is uploadingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
am uploadingprogressive 1st person singular
-
uploadssingular 3rd person
-
uploadingparticiple
Past
-
had uploadedperfect
-
was uploadingprogressive singular
-
had been uploadingperfect progressive
-
were uploadingprogressive plural
-
uploadedparticiple
-
uploadedsimple
Future
Etymology
Origin of upload
Explanation
When you send any kind of data from your computer to the internet, you upload it. Want to change your social media profile picture? Just upload a new photo — maybe that one of you and your cat dressed in matching sweaters! Any time you share photos online, submit an assignment to the school website, or even send an email, you upload data. Typically this means transferring electronic information from an individual computer to a larger network or server. To download is the exact opposite — when you download something, you transfer it from a server to your computer. Both words date from about 1980.
Vocabulary lists containing upload
Computer Science and Technology - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Computer Science and Technology - Middle School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Computer Science and Technology - High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Musk himself said: "Anyone using Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content."
From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026
Tech companies promising to "democratize" football are launching apps that allow young players to upload videos recorded on their phone of them showcasing their ball skills.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
Oftentimes, job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed let you upload your profile to the platform, where you can apply to dozens — or even hundreds — of jobs with a single click.
From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026
Meanwhile, DHS has urged states to upload their voter rolls to its tool, called the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system.
From Salon • May 4, 2026
It takes ten minutes for “On the Come Up” to upload on Dat Cloud, and twenty seconds to text Supreme the link.
From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
