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Meaning & use

streaming

noun, adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈstriː.mɪŋ/
US/ˈstriː.mɪŋ/

Meanings

  1. noununcountablecomputing

    The continuous sending of audio or video over the internet so it can be played immediately.

    Grammar: Uncountable: streaming is popular; no plural form.

    Patterns

    • streaming of something
    • online streaming
    • live streaming

    Streaming has changed how we watch television.

    The streaming of live sports is now very common.

    They offer free streaming for the first month.

  2. adjectivebefore a nouncomputing

    Relating to a service or device that sends audio or video over the internet.

    Grammar: Used before a noun: a streaming service, a streaming device.

    Patterns

    • a streaming service
    • a streaming platform
    • a streaming device

    We subscribed to a new streaming service.

    She bought a streaming device for her old TV.

    The streaming platform added many new films.

  3. noununcountable

    The act of flowing in a continuous stream.

    Grammar: Uncountable: the streaming of light.

    Patterns

    • the streaming of light
    • streaming tears

    The streaming of light through the window woke me.

    Her face was wet with the streaming of tears.

Common combinations

streaming service
Netflix is a popular streaming service.
live streaming
Live streaming lets people watch events as they happen.
streaming platform
The streaming platform has millions of users.
streaming device
A streaming device connects your TV to the internet.
music streaming
Music streaming is now more common than buying CDs.

Synonyms and how they differ

broadcasting
Broadcasting usually means sending over radio or TV; streaming is over the internet.
webcasting
Webcasting is a more formal word for sending media over the internet, often live.

Opposites

downloading

Word family

stream verb
To send or play audio or video over the internet.
streamer noun
A person who broadcasts live online, or a long strip of cloth.

Commonly confused: streaming or steaming?

streaming vs steaming

Steaming means producing steam, as in 'steaming hot water'; streaming means sending media over the internet.

Practice

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