download

1 of 2

noun

down·​load ˈdau̇n-ˌlōd 

computers

: an act or instance of transferring something (such as data or files) from a usually large computer to the memory of another device (such as a smaller computer) : an act or instance of downloading (see download entry 2) something

faster downloads

also : the item downloaded

two downloads

download

2 of 2

verb

downloaded; downloading; downloads

transitive verb

computers

: to transfer (data, files, etc.) from one location (such as a large computer or the cloud) to another (such as a smaller computer, smartphone, or storage device)

download the files onto your computer

downloading songs from the Internet

downloadable

ˈdau̇n-ˌlō-də-bəl 

adjective

Examples of download in a Sentence

Noun

The modem is capable of high-speed downloads.

The download will take about three minutes.

The program is available for download at the company's website.

The downloads are all in this folder.

Verb

He downloaded the files onto his computer.

She downloads songs from the Internet.

The new program makes downloading faster.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Here’s your Saturday morning download of everything worth knowing from CharlotteFive this week. — Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

According to the 2021 Lucidpress State of Brand Consistency Report (automatic download), 77% of companies deal with off-brand content, and respondents estimated that consistent branding would increase their revenue by 10-20%. — Andrey Insarov, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Verb

After downloading an app and registering members of your team (which must be an even number of players), the computer randomly assigns your run of games for the evening. — Ryan P. C. Trimble, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

For more information, go to the MPCA’s Air Quality Index webpage for current conditions and/or sign up for daily forecasts and alerts through EnviroFlash or download the EPA AirNow app. — Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1977, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for download

• abode
• anode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• cathode
• commode
• corrode
• crossroad

Kids Definition

download

1 of 2 noun

down·​load ˈdau̇n-ˌlōd 

: an act or instance of transferring data from a usually large computer to the memory of another device (as a smaller computer)

download

2 of 2 verb

down·​load

: to transfer (data) from one location (as a large computer to another smaller computer or storage device)

downloadable

-ˌlōd-ə-bəl 

adjective