upload
Americanverb (used with object)
noun
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software, data, etc., that has been uploaded.
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the act or process of uploading.
verb
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To transfer data or programs from one's own computer or digital device to a server or host computer.
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Compare download
Etymology
Origin of upload
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.
Vocabulary lists containing upload
Computer Science and Technology - Introductory
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Computer Science and Technology - Middle School
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Computer Science and Technology - High School
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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.
Malik sent the images so he could reduce the file size and upload them to the Met's system, the hearing was told.
From BBC • May 3, 2026
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
From the same page, you can also export your chat history from ChatGPT or Claude, and upload the chats to Gemini.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026
Even if they still meet with clients, there’s often some kind of upload process where you scan in your W-2s and 1099s.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026
“Or”—Abby glances at me—“you could set up an online store. Maybe you could upload some designs, and then people could order prints and phone cases and stuff.”
From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli
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.
