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sideload

American  
[sahyd-lohd] / ˈsaɪdˌloʊd /
Or side-load

verb (used without object)

  1. to transfer software, data, etc., from one local system or device to another, typically from one's computer to a mobile device.


verb (used with object)

  1. to transfer (software, data, etc.) by this process.

    It'll take two more minutes to sideload my podcasts to my phone.

Etymology

Origin of sideload

First recorded in 1995–2000; in the sense “off to the side,” i.e., not over the internet; patterned after upload and download

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.

See Examples For:

On Monday it released a download kit to make it easier for Android users to sideload the app onto devices.

From BBC Feb. 13, 2025

I was happy to find that it’s relatively easy to quickly sideload ePub files to it.

From The Verge Jun. 30, 2022

But, unlike Amazon’s products, there are no ads you have to pay to avoid, and you can easily sideload content.

From The Verge May 27, 2022

He went on to liken allowing users to sideload their own apps on iPhone to being like an automaker selling a car without airbags or seat belts.

From The Verge Nov. 9, 2021

It tried to "sideload" the app on Android phones - to try and avoid Google's own 30% charge.

From BBC May 2, 2021

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