Standard Lemma guide

sideload

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To transfer data between two local devices, rather than to or from a remote device.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences

Examples

  • I'm going to sideload my computer's address book onto my mobile phone.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To install an app on a mobile device by using any app store that doesn't come preinstalled like Google Play or Apple App Store. Or installing an app from an installation package. (.apk/.ipa)

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences

Examples

  • Developer: I'm not paying 25$ to Google to put my free app on Google Play. User: I'm fine sideloading it from F-Droid. Thank you for the free app!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From side + load, modelled on upload and download.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 側載 /侧载 — install an app