sync
Americannoun
-
synchronization, or the condition of moving, operating, acting, etc., at the same rate and exactly together (usually preceded by in orout of ).
The picture and the soundtrack were out of sync.
-
harmony or harmonious relationship (usually preceded by in orout of ).
Management wants to be in sync with the client's wishes.
-
Computers. the process of connecting devices or computers, or of uploading data from one to the other or to a network or data store, so that all connected devices and repositories share current data.
You can disconnect your phone from the computer after the sync finishes.
verb (used with object)
-
Computers. Also
-
to connect (devices or computers) so that they share current data, often the data generated by a particular app and stored on one of the devices or computers.
Every few days I sync my fitness tracker with my computer so my averages are updated on the computer.
-
to upload (data) from one device or computer to another, or to a network or data store, so that all connected devices and repositories share current data.
This app lets you sync your photos across multiple devices.
When several of us are working on code in the same program, we have to sync changes frequently.
-
-
to synchronize, or cause to move, operate, act, etc., at the same rate and exactly together.
The cheerleaders and baton twirlers synced their movements perfectly to the band.
-
to harmonize or align.
It is extremely important to sync your priorities with those of your teammates.
verb (used without object)
-
Computers. Also to initiate or undergo a connection between devices or computers, or with a network or data store, to share current data.
Your computer needs to sync with a server on the west coast at the end of each day’s work.
-
to be in or come into harmony or alignment.
Despite my fears, my new roommate and I synced almost right away.
Project management should sync with organizational strategy so we all know how to plan.
verb
noun
Usage
What does sync mean? Sync means to cause to move or operate at the same time, as in My phone synced with my wireless earbuds, and now I can listen to music on my phone.Sync also means to occur at the same time or rate, as in The train and bus schedules sync up so that passengers can catch the bus when they arrive at the train station.Sync also describes the state of being in harmony or the relationship between two things that run at the same time, as in Felix gets frustrated when the video and audio are out of sync.Sync is a shortened form of synchronization and can be spelled synch.Example: Sync the headphones with the system and then give it a listen.
Etymology
Origin of sync
First recorded in 1930–35; shortened from synchronize ( def. )
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.
But the Broncos offense never got in sync.
From Los Angeles Times
After kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes due to a medical emergency at Craven Cottage, Liverpool immediately looked out of sync.
From Barron's
Our planet relies on a sophisticated global system that combines atomic clocks, GPS satellites, and ultra-fast communication networks to keep everything in sync.
From Science Daily
The mood you were in at the time of reminiscence left emotional fingerprints on the memory, as neurons activated by your mental environment synced up with those activated by the recollection.
From Los Angeles Times
The futuristic coat - modish in the 1960s - is also indicative of how the Queen was in sync with the times.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
