# downloading

/ˈdaʊnˌɫoʊdɪŋ/ (US) · /dˈaʊnləʊdɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/downloading
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. transferring data

verb · CEFR A2

moving a file, like a song or a document, from the internet to your computer or phone.

For teachers: 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.

- I am downloading a new game on my phone right now.
- While the user was downloading the software update, the connection dropped, forcing the installer to restart the entire process from the beginning.

Usage: Often used with the prepositions 'from' (the source) and 'to' (the destination).

### 2. the process

noun · CEFR B1

the activity of getting files from the internet.

For teachers: the process or instance of transferring data from a remote system to a local one. Functions as a gerund or verbal noun.

- The downloading of large files can take a long time if your internet is slow.
- The illegal downloading of copyrighted material remains a significant concern for the music and film industries globally.

Usage: Can be used as an uncountable noun for the general process or a countable noun for specific instances.

## Examples

- I am downloading a new game on my phone right now.
- The software update is currently downloading in the background, so you can keep working while it finishes.
- While high-speed fiber optics have made downloading large datasets nearly instantaneous, users in remote areas still struggle with the latency inherent in satellite connections.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.