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

The cellular Starlink service can not only power messaging, but also select mobile apps and video calling, although the download speeds have been estimated to be at 4Mbps. —Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 6 May 2026

The company’s brick-and-mortar business has struggled against a shift among its customers to online streaming and digital downloads. —Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 May 2026

Verb

Ask the front desk staff how to download the accompanying audio guide. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026

The mobile app is available to download for free in Apple's App Store for iPhone users and, for Android users, on Google Play. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 6 May 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