download
Americanverb (used with object)
noun
-
software, data, etc., that has been downloaded.
the best free music downloads.
-
the act or process of downloading.
verb
-
to copy or transfer (data or a program) into the memory of one computer system from a larger one
-
to broadcast specialist programmes, for such groups as doctors, outside normal broadcasting hours. They are often recorded on video tapes and viewed later Compare upload
-
to delegate or assign (work, responsibilities, costs, etc) to a someone at a lower level of an organization; off-load
noun
-
To transfer data or programs from a server or host computer to one's own computer or digital device.
-
Compare upload
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
have downloadedperfect
-
has downloadedperfect 3rd person singular
-
downloadingparticiple
-
downloadssingular 3rd person
-
are downloadingprogressive
-
have been downloadingperfect progressive
-
is downloadingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
has been downloadingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
am downloadingprogressive 1st person singular
Past
-
had downloadedperfect
-
downloadedsimple
-
had been downloadingperfect progressive
-
were downloadingprogressive plural
-
downloadedparticiple
-
was downloadingprogressive singular
Future
Etymology
Origin of download
Explanation
When you've got files on one computer that you need to transfer onto another, you'll need to download or copy the data onto a portable drive to move it. Back before the internet brought the world to our fingers, the word download was used mainly to describe the process of copying files or data from one computer to another. But these days, you can download or copy, just about anything from the internet — from music to movies to books. Another thing you can download, if you aren't careful, is a virus, so be wary before you go transferring all kinds of files to your computer.
Vocabulary lists containing download
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.
"Good signal" was measured as a download speed of five megabits per second, an upload speed of 1.5 megabits per second, and a response time of 50 milliseconds.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
To install a VPN app, download it from the provider’s website or, for mobile devices, from the device’s app store, then install it on the device.
From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026
"I thought, 'I'm going to download the app and give it a try. If nothing happens, it doesn't matter because nothing else is working out for me. But what if something does happen?'" he said.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
“Our process was to download from Kane’s brain,” said lead executive Adelson.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026
She liked the concept and offered them a penny for every download.
From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty
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.
