download

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A file transfer to a given computer or device from a remote one through a network connection.
  2. A file that has been or is intended to be transferred in this way.
verb
  1. To transfer data to a given computer from a remote one via a network.
  2. Synonym of upload: to send data from a given computer to a remote one.
  3. Synonym of copy: to transfer data to or from removable media.
  4. Synonym of install: to load software forced.
  5. To load a gun (especially a muzzle-loader) with less propellant than its designed load.
  6. To transfer jurisdiction and responsibility of a government asset or service to a lower level of government.

Pronunciation

/ˈdaʊnˌləʊd/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-download.wav /ˌdaʊnˈləʊd/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-download2.wav /ˈdaʊnˌloʊd/ en-us-download.ogg

Word forms

download downloads DL d/l downloading downloaded

Etymology

From down- + load. Verbal form first appears c. 1962 in the Wichita Falls (Texas) Times. Nominal form first appears c. 1977 in Scientific American.

This entry uses open data from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA/GFDL). Word forms are used for search and are not indexed as separate pages.