downloading
v. · n.-
1 transferring data (v.) A2 Elementary Computingmoving a file, like a song or a document, from the internet to your computer or phone.
the act of transferring data from a remote server or computer system to a local device. This present participle form functions as a continuous action.
ExampleI am downloading a new game on my phone right now.
ExampleWhile the user was downloading the software update, the connection dropped, forcing the installer to restart the entire process from the beginning.
UsageOften used with the prepositions 'from' (the source) and 'to' (the destination).
PitfallI am downloading the file to the internet.I am downloading the file from the internet.You download 'from' a source and 'to' your device. If you send a file to the internet, you are 'uploading'.
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2 the process (n.) B1 Intermediate Computingthe activity of getting files from the internet.
the process or instance of transferring data from a remote system to a local one. Functions as a gerund or verbal noun.
ExampleThe downloading of large files can take a long time if your internet is slow.
ExampleThe illegal downloading of copyrighted material remains a significant concern for the music and film industries globally.
UsageCan be used as an uncountable noun for the general process or a countable noun for specific instances.