Downloading
/ˌdaʊnˈloʊdɪŋ/
Definitions
To transfer (data or files) from a server or other computer to your own computer or device.
/ˌdaʊnˈloʊdɪŋ/
The act of transferring data from another computer system, typically over the internet, to your own device.
I am currently downloading the latest version of the app.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want a song on your phone. Downloading is like picking it up from a shop (the internet) and putting it on your phone so you can listen to it. It's like taking a copy.
👶 For kids: It means to get something from the computer to your tablet or phone.
More Examples
She spent all morning downloading movies for the flight.
Make sure you're downloading from a trusted source to avoid viruses.
How It's Used
"Downloading software updates."
"Downloading music to a phone."
From "down" (indicating a direction) + "load" (to put something into a container), originally referencing the process of transferring data from a remote computer system to a local one, typically over a network.
The term gained prominence with the advent of the internet and personal computers, initially referring to transferring files over dial-up connections.
Memory tip
Think of 'down' like moving the data *down* to your device and 'load' like putting it in the device.