What does stream mean?
A stream is a continuous flow of water or another material, such as air, words, information, or digital media. The word originally referred to a narrow river or channel, but its sense has broadened to describe successive things arriving in an ongoing flow, as in a stream of questions or a stream of data. In contemporary English, stream also commonly means to transmit or play audio, video, or other content continuously over the internet. This usage reflects the idea of content becoming available in an uninterrupted sequence rather than as a single finished download. Stream is therefore useful both when describing the movement of a physical substance and when describing the continuous flow of communication, entertainment, or information.
A narrow channel of flowing water, especially a small natural river; also a continuous flow of liquid, material, words, information, or digital content.
"She followed the stream until it joined the wider river."
When referring to digital media, stream usually denotes a service or transmission that provides continuous access; a streamed film may begin playing while still downloading.
To flow continuously in a stream, or to transmit or play digital audio, video, or other content continuously over the internet.
"Thousands of viewers streamed the concert from home."
The digital-media sense is standard in British and American English. It differs from downloading in that the content is delivered and viewed progressively.
Used when referring to multiple flows of water, material, information, or digital media.
"Several streams join the river below the valley."
From a narrow ribbon of moving water to an endless feed of videos, a stream is defined by its continuous flow.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of stream
English stream comes from Old English strēam, meaning a narrow river or flowing water. The word belongs to the Germanic branch of the Indo-European family and has close relatives such as Dutch stroom and German Strom. Its modern digital-media sense developed by analogy with the continuous flow of water, applying the image of steady movement to the delivery of data and media.
Related word forms
How stream is actually used
In modern usage, stream commonly refers to the continuous delivery of digital media or data. As a noun, a stream of consciousness describes an uninterrupted flow of thoughts and associations. As a verb, streaming generally implies continuous access or playback rather than downloading a complete item.
Easily confused with stream
A stream is a moving flow of water or other material, whereas a street is a road or passage for people and vehicles.
A stream is a continuous flow, while a dream is a series of thoughts, images, or experiences occurring in sleep.