uplink

American

[uhp-lingk] / ˈʌpˌlɪŋk /

noun

a transmission path for transmitting data or other signals from an earth station to a communications satellite or an airborne platform.

adjective

of or relating to such transmission.

uplink British

/ ˈʌpˌlɪŋk /

noun

the transmitter on the ground that sends signals up to a communications satellite

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of uplink

First recorded in 1965–70; up- + link ¹

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.

The uplink strategy may offer a practical solution.

From Science Daily • Dec. 17, 2025

High-powered jammers on the ground or placed on balloons can disrupt both uplink and downlink signals from drones.

From Washington Times • Feb. 6, 2023

Zelenskyy spoke Monday by video link to the G-7 summit, but immediate details were few during the closed-door uplink session.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 27, 2022

Sneddon began listening to Keillor in 1980 when “Prairie Home” went on a national satellite uplink.

From Washington Post • Oct. 19, 2021

Spy gear that can eavesdrop on all the prime minister's top-secret communications and then uplink classified information to a satellite, which Dr. Loofah will download and sell to the highest bidder.

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein

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