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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

Google allegedly tried to convince Epic to take the deal by pointing out the “frankly abysmal” 15+ step process gamers would have to endure to sideload Fortnite on Android.

From The Verge ● Aug. 19, 2021

In another unsealed section, the complaint describes a Google Play manager reaching out to Epic about its plans to sideload Fortnite — and apparently admitting that sideloading is a “frankly abysmal” experience in the process.

From The Verge ● Aug. 6, 2021

Parler remains banned in Google’s Play Store, although users can still sideload the app on Android.

From The Verge ● May 17, 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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