noun
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A unit of computer memory or data storage capacity equal to 1,048,576 bytes (1,024 kilobytes or 2 20 bytes).
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One million bytes.
Usage
In computer science and industry usage, the prefix mega– often does not have its standard scientific meaning of 1,000,000, but refers instead to the power of two closest to 1,000,000, which is 220, or 1,048,576. The calculation of data storage capacity (measured in bytes) is based on powers of two because of the binary nature of bits (1 byte is 8, or 23, bits). Thus, a megabyte is 1,048,576 bytes, although it is also used less technically to refer to a million bytes. Other numerical prefixes are interpreted similarly. With data transmission rates (measured in bits per second), a bit is considered as a signal pulse, and calculations are generally based on powers of ten. Thus, a rate of one megabit per second is equal to one million bits per second. However, in certain technical contexts, megabit can also refer to 1,048,576 bits. Similarly, the prefix kilo– refers to 1,000 or 210 (1,024); giga– to 1,000,000,000 (one billion) or 230 (1,073,741,824); and tera– to 1,000,000,000,000 (one trillion) or 240 (1,099,511,627,776).
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of megabyte
Compare meaning
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Vocabulary lists containing megabyte
Computer Science and Technology - Middle School
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Computer Science and Technology - High School
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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.
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If you have photos to include with your response, please make sure they are larger than 1 megabyte in size and email them to [email protected].
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 3, 2023
The government adopted a new tax imposing levies on every phone call, text message and megabyte of data in March.
From Reuters ● Dec. 9, 2022
For example, in a report about computer storage, you might need to define terms such as kilobyte, terabyte, gigabyte, and megabyte.
From Textbooks ● Dec. 21, 2021
As the state AGs note, the average cost per megabyte of data declined by between 72% and 83% between 2013 and 2017.
From Washington Times ● Jun. 12, 2019
They gathered up his 20 megabyte hard drive and monitor.
From Underground by Suelette Dreyfus
Despite the megabytes of exposition in Jesse Wigutow’s screenplay, it largely consists of stitching together excuses for cool-looking chases and fights between the real people and the cyber creations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2025
You can no longer think about things in terms of kilobytes or megabytes per second, because the amount of information is context-dependent.
From Salon ● Apr. 26, 2025
As the megabytes expended proved, you can make a compelling case for all and absolutely no guarantees about what follows.
From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2023
With millions of megabytes of discovery in the case, the minimum fair trial process will require many months to prepare.
From Slate ● Aug. 18, 2023
It has several megabytes of memory and a large, high-resolution display.
From Zen and the Art of the Internet by Brendan P. Kehoe
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
