flash drive

noun

: a data storage device that uses flash memory

specifically : a small rectangular device that is designed to be plugged directly into a USB port on a computer and is often used for transferring files from one computer to another

called also thumb drive

Examples of flash drive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Then Charlotte’s decision to sell their late father’s robotics company—and with it, beings like Cy—spurs Grayson into action, stealing the flash drive with all the company secrets and towing Cy along on his attempt at a corporate takeover. —Literary Hub, 1 June 2026

Store those images, along with receipts for past repairs and insurance policy details, in a secure location such as a cloud drive or flash drive. —David Nye, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026

This Mosis padded laptop sleeve, $22, comes with a separate zippered carrying case that can hold your charging cables and accessories, like USB flash drives or external hard drives. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026

Investigators with the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department reportedly later found a handmade video recording device in a light switch in Rector’s wife’s bedroom, which matched videos of the woman found on a flash drive in Rector’s possession. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for flash drive

• alive
• archive
• arrive
• beehive
• connive
• contrive
• deprive
• derive
• khedive
• revive
• survive
• dive

Kids Definition

flash drive

noun

: a data storage device that uses flash memory

specifically : a small rectangular device that is designed to be plugged into a USB port on a computer and is often used for transferring files from one computer to another

called also jump drive, thumb drive