Streaming
/ˈstriːmɪŋ/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe continuous transmission of audio or video content over the Internet or a network.
/ˈstriːmɪŋ/
To transmit or receive data (especially audio or video) continuously over a network.
She is streaming a live video game session on Twitch.
💡 Simply: Imagine a river of movies and music constantly flowing to your screen. You're 'streaming' when you watch or listen to things without downloading them first. It's like a never-ending show!
👶 For kids: It's like when you watch a video on your tablet without waiting for it to finish loading.
More Examples
Many people prefer streaming movies instead of downloading them.
The company will stream the annual shareholders' meeting online.
How It's Used
"We are streaming the conference live on YouTube."
"I've been streaming my favorite shows all weekend."
The process of transmitting or receiving data (especially audio or video) over a network in a continuous flow.
/ˈstriːmɪŋ/
The act of transmitting or receiving data in a continuous flow.
Streaming has become the dominant form of media consumption.
💡 Simply: The 'streaming' is the whole process of getting the movie river to your screen. The act of watching movies on Netflix is called streaming.
👶 For kids: It's when the video keeps playing and doesn't have to stop to load.
More Examples
The quality of the streaming depends on the internet speed.
Subscription services offer access to extensive streaming libraries.
How It's Used
"Streaming is increasingly popular due to its convenience."
"The streaming of music has revolutionized the industry."
Relating to the continuous transmission of data or content, usually over a network.
/ˈstriːmɪŋ/
Relating to the continuous transmission of data.
They offer streaming video content on their website.
💡 Simply: When something is called 'streaming', it means it's all about sending you the movie river constantly! Example: the movies on Netflix.
👶 For kids: Like the videos that keep going.
More Examples
The company is developing a new streaming platform.
High-speed internet is essential for streaming high-definition video.
How It's Used
"A streaming service provides content on demand."
"We have a streaming music service."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
streaming service
A service that provides access to audio or video content on demand over the Internet.
"Netflix, Spotify, and Hulu are popular streaming services."
live streaming
The real-time transmission of live video or audio content over the Internet.
"The concert was broadcast via live streaming."
From the verb "stream," which dates back to Old English *strēam* (a flowing body of water), influenced by the action of a current. The term's modern usage, especially regarding the continuous transmission of media, developed in the late 20th and early 21st centuries with the rise of the internet.
The verb form's usage has increased dramatically with the rise of the internet in the 21st century, while the noun's usage as a description of a continuous flow pre-dates the digital age.
Memory tip
Think of a continuous river; content is flowing continuously.