download

American  

[doun-lohd] / ˈdaʊnˌloʊd /

verb (used with object)

1. to transfer (software, data, character sets, etc.) from a distant to a nearby computer, from a larger to a smaller computer, or from a computer to a peripheral device.

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noun

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

   the best free music downloads.

2. the act or process of downloading.

download British  

/ ˈdaʊnˌləʊd /

verb

1. to copy or transfer (data or a program) into the memory of one computer system from a larger one

2. to broadcast specialist programmes, for such groups as doctors, outside normal broadcasting hours. They are often recorded on video tapes and viewed later Compare upload

3. to delegate or assign (work, responsibilities, costs, etc) to a someone at a lower level of an organization; off-load

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noun

1. a file transferred onto a computer from another computer or the internet

download Scientific  

/ doun′lōd′ /

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

2. Compare upload

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Other Word Forms

• downloadable adjective

Etymology

Origin of download

down ¹ + load

Example Sentences

Easter Lily is available now as a digital download and across streaming platforms.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

An email sent to the app’s developers returned an automatic response with a download link for Max.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

But interest rapidly faded; by February the download pace had fallen to just over 1 million, according to market researchers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

In recent 2025 tests, Surfshark demonstrated consistently fast download speeds.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

I give her my number, and she watches as I download the video and erase her message.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh

Related Words

• load
• log in