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
downloaded; downloading; downloads
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
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
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 May 2026
Tax account transcripts are available online by registering to use the Individual Online Account to view, print, or download, or by mail, according to the IRS.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 11 May 2026
Christopher Harris, CBS News, 13 May 2026
While gamers and other enthusiasts may be in the habit of downloading and installing new driver updates for their systems, most PC users just let Windows Update handle driver installation and updates.
—Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for download
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
The source game has topped China’s Steam Early Access chart, accumulated over 60,000 downloads, earned a 94% positive rating on the platform and drawn millions of views on YouTube.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 May 2026
Tax account transcripts are available online by registering to use the Individual Online Account to view, print, or download, or by mail, according to the IRS.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 11 May 2026
Verb
User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the GettyImages License Agreement.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 13 May 2026
While gamers and other enthusiasts may be in the habit of downloading and installing new driver updates for their systems, most PC users just let Windows Update handle driver installation and updates.
—Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for download
Cite this Entry
“Download.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/download. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
