USB
4 synonyms for USB, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A standard system of connectors and cables for linking devices such as keyboards, phones, printers and drives to a computer, and for supplying power to them.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
flash drive
memory stick
thumb drive
pen drive
How to use USB
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
USB port
USB-C cable
USB stick
plug into USB
Universal and neutral. Always written in capitals.
Etymology
An initialism of Universal Serial Bus.
Full origin of USB →Frequently asked questions
What does USB stand for?
Universal Serial Bus. 'Universal' because one connector type was meant to replace the many incompatible ports computers used before it, and 'serial bus' because data travels one bit at a time along a shared connection.
What is the difference between USB-C and USB 3.0?
They describe different things. USB-C is the shape of the connector, the small oval one that plugs in either way up. USB 3.0 and its successors are speed standards. A USB-C cable can carry a fast or a slow standard, which is why two identical-looking cables can perform very differently.
Is it safe to plug in a USB stick you found?
No. A drive can be configured to act as a keyboard and type commands the moment it is connected, or to carry malware that runs automatically. Discarded drives are a genuine and long-established attack method.
