upload

American  

[uhp-lohd] / ˈʌpˌloʊd /

verb (used with object)

1. to transfer (software, data, character sets, etc.) from a smaller to a larger computer.

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noun

1. software, data, etc., that has been uploaded.

2. the act or process of uploading.

upload British  

/ ʌpˈləʊd /

verb

1. (tr) to copy or transfer (data or a program) from one's own computer into the memory of another computer Compare download

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upload Scientific  

/ ŭp′lōd′ /

1. To transfer data or programs from one's own computer or digital device to a server or host computer.

2. Compare download

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Etymology

Origin of upload

up- + load

Explanation

When you send any kind of data from your computer to the internet, you upload it. Want to change your social media profile picture? Just upload a new photo — maybe that one of you and your cat dressed in matching sweaters! Any time you share photos online, submit an assignment to the school website, or even send an email, you upload data. Typically this means transferring electronic information from an individual computer to a larger network or server. To download is the exact opposite — when you download something, you transfer it from a server to your computer. Both words date from about 1980.

Example Sentences

To use it, the guest just needs to upload a selfie and the technology generates face recognition data to identify them at the arena.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

Starting May 4, Connection Keeper users can choose to upload their recordings to StoryCorps’ website, where they can also revisit their conversations.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2026

As the lab technician prepared my vials, I told him, “I’m going to upload my blood work to AI!”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

For the first time, the census will be conducted digitally, with enumerators using mobile apps to collect and upload data.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

I upload the photo and a final message pops up: Be well, Mateo.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera