verb
Common
sync
sihngk
Sync (verb) means to make two or more things happen or update together at the same time. Example: “Make sure your phone is set to sync with your calendar automatically.”
verb
1
To make two or more things happen or update together at the same time.
"Make sure your phone is set to sync with your calendar automatically."
"The editor synced the audio track to the video footage."
"When you plug in the tablet, the photos will sync with your laptop."
noun
1
The state of being coordinated or aligned in timing.
"The dancers moved perfectly in sync with the music."
"The singer's lips were out of sync with the sound, which was distracting."
"Our two teams work well when our schedules are in sync."
How to use sync
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo keep things updated together, or the state of being lined up in time.
Common pairings
in sync
sync data
out of sync
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- syncs
- Past tense
- synced, synched, sunk
Fill the gap
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Make sure your phone is set to _____ with your calendar automatically.
Etymology
A shortened form of "synchronization."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “sync” mean?
The word “sync” means to make two or more things happen or update together at the same time. In plain terms, to keep things updated together, or the state of being lined up in time.
How do you pronounce “sync”?
“Sync” is pronounced sihngk (/sɪŋk/ in IPA).
How do you use “sync” in a sentence?
Here is “sync” used in a sentence: “Make sure your phone is set to sync with your calendar automatically.”
What part of speech is “sync”?
Depending on how it is used, “sync” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “sync” a common word?
“Sync” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sync” have?
“Sync” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make two or more things happen or update together at the same time.
What is the difference between sync and backup?
Syncing makes two or more things update together so they match in real time or on a schedule, while a backup creates a separate stored copy of data for safekeeping. A backup does not necessarily keep files updated together the way syncing does.
What does it mean when devices are out of sync?
Devices being 'out of sync' means they are no longer coordinated or aligned in timing, so their data or state does not match. Getting them back in sync typically means updating them so they align again.
Is sync a shortened form of another word?
Yes, 'sync' is an informal shortened form of 'synchronise' or 'synchronisation', used as both a verb and a noun in everyday and technical contexts. It is common in computing to describe files or devices updating together.
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