asynchronous

adjective

asyn·​chro·​nous (ˌ)ā-ˈsiŋ-krə-nəs 

-ˈsin-

1

: not simultaneous or concurrent in time : not synchronous

asynchronous sound

2

: of, used in, or being digital (see digital sense 4) communication (as between computers) in which there is no timing requirement for transmission and in which the start of each character is individually signaled by the transmitting device

asynchronously adverb

Examples of asynchronous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The largest of these books, a twenty-five-foot-long, fifty-four-page compendium, provides a sweeping and decidedly asynchronous mapping of the artist’s interlocking body of work. —Katherine Rochester, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026

O’Connor said June 19 will be an at-home asynchronous day in observance of Juneteenth National Freedom Day. —Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026

For asynchronous online courses, students should check Likewise, the Community College of Rhode Island said all in person classes, activities and clinical placements are canceled for Wednesday. —Eryn Dion, The Providence Journal, 24 Feb. 2026

York School District will have an asynchronous learning day for students. —Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see synchronous

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing asynchronous

• asynchronous transfer mode

Rhymes for asynchronous

• geosynchronous
• synchronous