download

[ doun-lohd ]

See synonyms for download on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to transfer (software, data, character sets, etc.) from a distant to a nearby computer, from a larger to a smaller computer, or from a computer to a peripheral device.

noun

software, data, etc., that has been downloaded: the best free music downloads.
the act or process of downloading.

Origin of download

down¹ + load

Compare upload, sideload.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use download in a sentence

The labels could, in theory, do a better job than Apple or Beats at streaming and selling downloads.
Apple Wants Beats So It Can Control You | Ted Gioia | May 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
“We spotted some downloads to get pulses racing,” according to the statistician at the Torrentfreak website.
Vatican Vice: Sex, Drugs and Downloads Taint the Image of the Holy See | Barbie Latza Nadeau | March 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
So far the app has about 12,000 downloads in 89 countries worldwide.
Tech Start-Ups Get Their Sexy On | CNBC | February 24, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Apple also saw more than 200 million downloads of its new operating system iOS 7.
Apple’s New iPhones Met by Strong Demand | William O’Connor | September 23, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
The company wants your iTunes downloads copy protected, easily accessible only through Apple products.
Here’s Why Apple and Samsung Are Breaking Up | Alex Klein | December 31, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for download

download

/ (ˈdaʊnˌləʊd) /

verb(tr)

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

esp Canadian to delegate or assign (work, responsibilities, costs, etc) to a someone at a lower level of an organization; off-load

noun

a file transferred onto a computer from another computer or the internet

Derived forms of download

downloadable, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for download

download

[ doun′lōd′ ]

To transfer data or programs from a server or host computer to one's own computer or digital device. Compare upload.

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