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noun Uncommon

iPod

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IPod (noun) means Apple's portable digital music player, popular in the 2000s for letting people carry thousands of songs in their pocket. Example: “He still has his old iPod loaded with early-2000s playlists.”

noun
1
Apple's portable digital music player, popular in the 2000s for letting people carry thousands of songs in their pocket.
"Britain's twenty-somethings have become iPod-carrying Dick Whittingtons, drawn to London by the prospect of large salaries and hopes of a vibrant social life." — What's Up, Britain? (2009)
"Like most people I know, I almost always listen to music while I walk. But I don't own an iPod. I don't own a Zune. And I don't own a Walkman (they finally stopped making those last week)." — Derek Thompson, The iPod Is Dead to Me (2010)
"He still has his old iPod loaded with early-2000s playlists."
"Before smartphones, joggers clipped an iPod to their armband."

How to use iPod

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishApple's old-school MP3 player, mostly replaced now by streaming on phones.

Common pairings
iPod shuffle sync an iPod iPod nano
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Word forms

Plural
iPods
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He still has his old _____ loaded with early-2000s playlists.

Etymology

Coined by Apple from "i-" plus "pod," suggesting a small pod for storing music — reportedly inspired by a line from 2001: A Space Odyssey.

· First attested 2001

Class of 2001 iPod joined the language around 2001.
See the full Class of 2001 →
mp3 player music player

Rhymes for iPod

See all rhymes for iPod →

Frequently asked questions

What does “iPod” mean?
The word “iPod” means apple's portable digital music player, popular in the 2000s for letting people carry thousands of songs in their pocket. In plain terms, apple's old-school MP3 player, mostly replaced now by streaming on phones.
How do you use “iPod” in a sentence?
Here is “iPod” used in a sentence: “He still has his old iPod loaded with early-2000s playlists.”
What part of speech is “iPod”?
“IPod” is a noun.
Where does the word “iPod” come from?
The word “iPod” dates back to around 2001. Coined by Apple from "i-" plus "pod," suggesting a small pod for storing music — reportedly inspired by a line from 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Is “iPod” a common word?
“IPod” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between an "iPod" and an "iPhone"?
An iPod was a portable digital music player, primarily designed to store and play songs, while an iPhone is a smartphone that combines calling, internet, apps, and music playback in one device. The iPod's popularity declined largely because smartphones absorbed its main function.
Why was the iPod so popular in the 2000s?
The iPod became popular in the 2000s because it let people carry thousands of songs in their pocket, replacing bulkier CD players and offering a simple way to organize and play a personal music library on the go.
Is "iPod" still used to describe music players today?
The word iPod is still recognized as the name of Apple's line of portable music players, though its cultural relevance has faded as smartphones took over most of its function, with streaming apps replacing the need for a dedicated device.