thumb drive

noun

: a small usually rectangular device used for storing and transferring computer data : flash drive

Examples of thumb drive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And now there’s a new digital-physical version that will live on a thumb drive. Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2026 Once clear, the groups installed malware by removing the hard drive and installing the software directly, replacing the hard drive with one preloaded with Ploutus, or connecting an external device, such as a thumb drive, to deploy the malware. Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026 Both Green and Granick said Microsoft could have users install a key on a piece of hardware like a thumb drive, which would act as a backup or recovery key. Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 The Department of Justice said Bedra mailed a thumb drive containing 64 videos of monkey torture to an unnamed co-conspirator in Wisconsin. Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thumb drive

Word History

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thumb drive was in 2002

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Cite this Entry

“Thumb drive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thumb%20drive. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

thumb drive

noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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