MP3

American  

1. the file extension for MPEG Audio Layer-3, a set of standards for compressing and downloading audio files from the internet.

2. a file compressed in this format.

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MP3 British  

abbreviation

1. MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3: tradename for software created by the Motion Picture Experts Group that enables files to be compressed quickly to 10% or less of their original size for storage on disk or hard drive or esp for transfer across the internet

2. an audio or video file created in this way

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MP3 Scientific  

/ ĕm′pē-thrē′ /

1. An MPEG standard used especially for transmitting music digitally over the Internet. Many programs are available to facilitate the transfer of these files, but there are numerous legal issues regarding the swapping of files and violation of copyright laws.

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MP3 Cultural  

1. A file containing compressed digital audio data, often used to transmit music over the Internet.

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Etymology

Origin of MP3

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

"MP3 players were clunky, storage was limited, and managing your music library felt like a chore," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Shkreli, however, made comments online that he played the songs in online streams and made MP3 copies, according to court records.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

The peer-to-peer service — where fans swapped catalogs of MP3 song files — walloped the record business.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2024

A few weeks later, an MP3 file from Bareilles popped into Paulus’ inbox.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 6, 2023

Lidewij walked over to an MP3 player, spun the wheel a bit, then hit a button.

From "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green