What does synchronisation mean?
Synchronisation is the coordination of two or more actions, events, devices, or systems so that they occur at the same time or remain consistently aligned. As a noun, it names both the process of establishing this coordination and the resulting state of agreement. As a verb, synchronise means to bring two or more things into that alignment, as when music is synchronised with movement or files are synchronised across several computers. The word is especially common in technology, media, transport, sport, and teamwork, but it also applies to everyday situations involving precise timing. Its meaning can imply more than simple coincidence: synchronisation often suggests an active process or deliberately maintained correspondence. Related forms include synchronise, synchronise with, and synchronised. British English uses “synchronisation” and “synchronise,” while American English normally uses “synchronization” and “synchronize.” The word ultimately comes from Greek synchronos, meaning simultaneous or happening at the same time.
The act or process of coordinating things so that they happen or operate at the same time, or the state of being coordinated in this way.
"The synchronisation of the animation and the music was completed by hand."
In computing, data synchronisation usually refers to keeping copies of data consistent across devices or systems.
To arrange two or more actions, events, or systems so that they happen or operate at the same time or remain aligned.
"The score synchronises each cue with the dancers’ movements."
Common in British and American English, although the spelling synchronise is chiefly British.
Plurals are grammatically possible but uncommon; the noun is normally used in the singular.
"The engineers tested the synchronisations of the satellite clocks."
Its Greek core, synchronos, means “happening at the same time”: synchronisation is the art of making separate things meet in perfect timing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does synchronisation come from?
Synchronisation developed in 19th-century English from the verb synchronise, using the suffix -ation to form a noun. Synchronise comes ultimately from Greek synchronos, composed of syn- “together” and chronos “time,” and therefore means “happening at the same time.” The same Greek root also underlies synchronous, synchronism, and synchrony.
Related word forms
How synchronisation is actually used
“Synchronisation” is the standard British spelling; US English generally uses “synchronization.” The corresponding verb is “synchronise” in British English and “synchronize” in American English. In technical contexts, it may mean ensuring continuously corresponding data, rather than merely making two events occur at the same moment.