progress bar

American

[prog-res bahr, prog-ruhs] / ˈprɒg rɛs ˌbɑr, ˈprɒg rəs /

noun

Digital Technology.

a graphical element that illustrates the percentage of a computer task that is complete.

The progress bar stopped moving when the program was about halfway downloaded.

Etymology

Origin of progress bar

First recorded in 1945–50

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.

It resonates more with the progress bar instead of the buffering icon.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

As Stephen Buffardi was transferring photos to his new phone, the progress bar reached halfway - then it crashed.

From BBC • Oct. 25, 2025

If the progress bar for the update appears stuck or paused, don’t unplug your Apple TV.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 14, 2021

The on-demand feature also spaces out ads fairly well, letting you know where they'll pop up on the progress bar, and making sure they don't cut in at random points in the recorded broadcast.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2021

A little progress bar blinks in the corner of my vision while I run one of my hacks on him.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023