Download
/ˌdaʊnˈloʊd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo copy or transfer data, usually files or software, from the internet or another computer to your own device.
/ˌdaʊnˈloʊd/
To transfer data from a remote system to a local one.
You can download the latest version of the app for free.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're getting a file from a store. You're not buying it, but you're taking a copy home. It's just like copying something from the internet onto your computer or phone. It's like getting a free souvenir!
👶 For kids: To get something from the computer and put it on your computer or phone.
More Examples
I'm going to download the music album later tonight.
Make sure to download the attachments before deleting the email.
He downloaded the movie to watch on his flight.
How It's Used
"I need to download the file from the website."
"Users can download the software from our official website."
The process of transferring data from a remote system to a local device, or the data itself that is downloaded.
/ˈdaʊnloʊd/
The act or process of downloading.
The download of the software was completed successfully.
💡 Simply: That thing you did, or are doing, when you're getting a copy of something from the internet. It can also refer to the actual thing you got – like a song you downloaded.
👶 For kids: When you get a copy of something from the computer.
More Examples
Check the download folder for the file.
The website provides a link to start the download.
The download process was interrupted by a power outage.
How It's Used
"The download took a long time because of the slow internet connection."
"The download speed was incredibly fast."
From 'down' + 'load', reflecting the action of transferring data from a remote system (e.g., a server) to a local system (e.g., a computer). The term emerged with the rise of computer networks and the internet in the late 20th century.
The term became widely used in the late 20th century with the advent of the internet and personal computers. Initially, it referred to transferring files via dial-up modems.
Memory tip
Think of "down" as meaning from a remote place, and "load" as moving something to a place. Downloading moves things from the Internet to your device!