downloading

Verb

download (third-person singular simple present downloads, present participle downloading, simple past and past participle downloaded)

1. (transitive) To transfer data to a given computer from a remote one via a network.
   • You can download a trial version of the program for thirty days to determine whether you want to purchase the full version.
2. (nonstandard, transitive) Synonym of upload: to send data from a given computer to a remote one.

   Synonyms:

   upload

3. (nonstandard, transitive) Synonym of copy: to transfer data to or from removable media.
   • When I was your age, there were no flash drives. I needed to download photos to a CD-ROM.

   Synonyms:

   copy

4. (nonstandard, transitive) Synonym of install: to load software forced.

   Synonyms:

   install

5. (transitive) To load a gun (especially a muzzle-loader) with less propellant than its designed load.
6. (Canada, transitive) To transfer jurisdiction and responsibility of a government asset or service to a lower level of government.
   • In 1997, The Harris government also downloaded a number of social services to municipal governments, including affordable housing.Allister Thompson ((Can we date this quote?)), “Mike Harris”, in The Canadian Encyclopedia, The Canadian Encyclopedia, archived from the original on 13 Aug 2023

See all 8 meanings of download