Stream: meaning, definitions and examples

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stream

 

[ striːm ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

online video content

A continuous flow of audio or video content transmitted over the internet. Streaming allows users to watch or listen to content in real time without downloading the entire file.

Synonyms

live streaming, online video content, webcasting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stream

Use 'stream' when referring to the process of receiving or transmitting video or audio data over the internet. It's a general term that can apply to both watching and broadcasting live or pre-recorded content.

  • I plan to stream the latest episode of my favorite show tonight.
  • You can stream music on various platforms.
online video content

Use 'online video content' to describe any video available on the internet, whether it's live or recorded. This is a broad term that encompasses all types of video media online.

  • Online video content ranges from tutorials to entertainment segments.
  • Platforms like YouTube provide a wide variety of online video content.
live streaming

Use 'live streaming' when referring to broadcasting real-time video and audio content over the internet. It emphasizes the live aspect of the content.

  • They are live streaming the concert so people from all over the world can watch.
  • Many gamers engage in live streaming to share their gameplay with fans.
webcasting

Use 'webcasting' when referring to broadcasting video and audio content over the internet to a large audience, typically for corporate, educational, or promotional events. It's often used in a more formal context.

  • The seminar was available to a global audience through webcasting.
  • Companies often use webcasting for product launches and investor meetings.

Examples of usage

  • I love watching movies on streaming platforms like Netflix.
  • The popularity of streaming services has grown rapidly in recent years.
Context #2 | Noun

moving body of water

A small, narrow river or brook that flows swiftly or gently. Streams are often found in natural landscapes and provide habitat for various aquatic organisms.

Synonyms

brook, creek, rivulet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stream

Typically used to describe a small to medium flow of water, often natural, that moves continuously through a landscape. Suitable for both formal and casual contexts.

  • The children played by the stream all afternoon.
  • A stream runs through the forest.
brook

A term used primarily to indicate a small, natural watercourse. It's often found in literature and can evoke a picturesque or rustic setting.

  • They crossed a quiet brook on their hike.
  • The sound of the brook was calming.
creek

Common in American English to describe a small, narrow, and often shallow waterway. It can be used in both everyday conversation and technical descriptions.

  • We spent the weekend camping by the creek.
  • During the hike, we followed the creek to the lake.
rivulet

Refers to a very small stream or a small flow of water. Often used in poetic or descriptive language to emphasize the small size or gentle nature of the water.

  • A tiny rivulet trickled down the rock.
  • Sweat formed rivulets on his forehead.

Examples of usage

  • We went for a picnic by the stream and enjoyed the peaceful sound of running water.
  • The stream meandered through the forest, creating a serene atmosphere.
Context #3 | Verb

to flow or run

To move steadily and continuously in a particular direction. Stream can refer to the movement of water, air, or even people or vehicles.

Synonyms

cascade, flow, run.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stream

Used to describe a small, narrow body of flowing water, usually found in nature. It can also refer to a continuous flow of data or material.

  • We followed the stream through the forest.
  • The video is available via live stream.
flow

Used to describe the movement of a liquid, gas, or other substance in a smooth and continuous way. It can also refer to the smooth movement of something, like traffic or conversation.

  • The river had a strong flow due to the recent rains.
  • The conversation flowed easily between the old friends.
run

Used to describe the action of a liquid moving or being poured quickly, often in a less controlled manner. It can also refer to continuous operation or sequence of events. This word can sometimes carry a negative tone if referring to uncontrolled or excessive flow.

  • Tears began to run down her cheeks.
  • We need to fix that pipe; water is running everywhere.
cascade

Used to describe a series of small waterfalls or something that falls or flows in a descending manner, often in a beautiful or dramatic way.

  • The cascade of water over the rocks was breathtaking.
  • Her hair fell in a cascade of golden curls.

Examples of usage

  • Tears streamed down her face as she listened to the sad news.
  • Traffic streamed along the highway during rush hour.

Translations

Translations of the word "stream" in other languages:

🇵🇹 corrente

🇮🇳 प्रवाह

🇩🇪 Strom

🇮🇩 arus

🇺🇦 потік

🇵🇱 strumień

🇯🇵 流れ (nagare)

🇫🇷 courant

🇪🇸 corriente

🇹🇷 akım

🇰🇷 흐름 (heuleum)

🇸🇦 تيار

🇨🇿 proud

🇸🇰 prúd

🇨🇳 流 (liú)

🇸🇮 tok

🇮🇸 straumur

🇰🇿 ағын

🇬🇪 დინება

🇦🇿 axın

🇲🇽 corriente

Etymology

The word 'stream' originated from the Old English word 'streám', which meant a current of water or flow. It has been used for centuries to describe the movement of water, and later adopted to refer to the online transmission of audio and video content. The concept of streaming has become increasingly popular with the rise of digital technology and internet connectivity.

See also: streamer, streaming, streamlet, streamline, streamlined.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,826, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.