noun

FTP

ef-tee-PEE

Quiz me More like this

FTP (noun) means a long-established set of rules for copying files between computers over a network, commonly used to upload the files of a website to the server that hosts it. Example: “The old host still gives you FTP details rather than a control panel.”

noun

technical A long-established set of rules for copying files between computers over a network, commonly used to upload the files of a website to the server that hosts it.

"The old host still gives you FTP details rather than a control panel."

"FTP sends passwords in plain text, which is why secure alternatives replaced it."

verb

informal To transfer a file using this protocol.

"I FTP'd the corrected images across last night."

How to use FTP

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old way of copying files to or from another computer over the internet.

When to use it

Technical; still widely understood, though the plain protocol has largely been replaced by secure versions.

Memory tip

SFTP is not simply a secure version of FTP; it is a different protocol that runs over SSH. FTPS is FTP with encryption added.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

SFTP FTPS http → SSH →

Common pairings

FTP server FTP client FTP credentials upload by FTP anonymous FTP

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like FTP.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “FTP” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The old host still gives you _____ details rather than a control panel.

Etymology

An initialism of file transfer protocol, one of the earliest internet standards, in use since the early 1970s.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

file transfer protocol file transfer upload transfer send

Related words

air post move send station charge carry ship

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between FTP and SFTP?

FTP is the original protocol and sends its data, including the username and password, without encryption. SFTP is a separate protocol that transfers files over an encrypted SSH connection. They share a purpose and part of a name, but not their design.

What is the difference between FTP and HTTP?

Both move data over a network, but HTTP was designed for requesting web pages and resources and is what browsers use to load sites. FTP was designed specifically for listing directories and transferring whole files between machines.

Is FTP still used?

It is still supported by many hosting providers and older systems, and remains common in some industries. Encrypted alternatives such as SFTP and FTPS are now the usual choice because plain FTP protects neither the credentials nor the contents.

What is the meaning of FTP?

"FTP" (noun) means a long-established set of rules for copying files between computers over a network, commonly used to upload the files of a website to the server that hosts it.

People also searched

air post move send station charge carry ship