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

Each plan includes different download and upload speeds, allowing customers to choose based on their household needs and internet use. —Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025

Conan Gray Beat Billie Eilish Several Times Over Luminate reports that in its first full tracking week, Wishbone sold just over 53,000 pure copies in America, between digital downloads and physical formats. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Verb

The caller instructs you to download software to scan your PC for malware, which will then stop the hacker in their tracks. —Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. —Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025

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