hard drive

American  

[hahrd drahyv] / ˈhɑrd ˈdraɪv /

noun

Computers.

1. HDD.

2. (loosely) a drive for a computer, as a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) or another drive serving a similar function, as opposed to a very small, portable flash drive.

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hard drive British  

noun

1. computing (on a computer) the mechanism that handles the reading, writing, and storage of data on the hard disk

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hard drive Scientific  

1. A disk drive that reads data stored on hard disks.

2. Also called hard disk drive

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hard drive Cultural  

1. The bulk of the memory of a personal computer is magnetically stored on hard disks that constitute the hard drive. Information in the hard drive is durable, in that it remains magnetically stored when the computer is turned off. (See magnetic memory.)

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Etymology

Origin of hard drive

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Despite strong results, Western Digital’s stock dropped 6% after-hours, reflecting investor expectations amid the AI boom’s pressure on hard drive supply.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Daniel landed in Los Angeles with his girlfriend and a hard drive containing $350,000 in bitcoin.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

But Apple’s team, Mr. Pogue writes, knew that “a hard drive the size of an Oreo” would be the perfect platform for a portable music player, and they negotiated exclusive access to the drive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

If Western Digital shareholders had any regrets about missing out on further Sandisk gains, they should be muted by the hard drive maker’s own incredible run.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

Tobias pulls the dresser away from the wall with one hand and wedges the hard drive behind it with the other.

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

• disk drive
• hardware
• modem
• personal computer
• supercomputer