WordGarden.iosync
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɪŋk/
US
- /ˈsɪŋk/
Meanings
Verb
to make data or devices update so they match each other
to make actions, signals, or events happen in coordination
Noun
data or device synchronization, or a syncing operation
a state of coordinated timing or matching alignment
Beyond the definition
Think of dancers moving perfectly together: that's sync. To sync means to bring things into agreement or coordination, often in time. You might sync your watch with an official time source or try to sync your breathing during yoga. It's about getting everything on the same beat. In the digital world, we constantly sync our devices, like phones and computers, so information stays up to date and works smoothly across them. If things are in sync, they work well together; if they're out of sync, something feels off.
The word "sync" is short for "synchronize," and it describes the process of bringing two or more things into harmonious alignment, usually in time. It's a surprisingly versatile word with roots stretching back to ancient Greek! Combining the roots syn- (together) and khronos (time), sync now applies to everything from complex technology to everyday life.
You might sync your calendar with a colleague's so you both know about important meetings. Musicians strive to sync their playing, creating a unified sound. Swimmers compete in synchronized swimming, aiming for perfect synchrony.
In the digital age, syncing is everywhere. We sync our phones and computers to back up data or share files. Streaming services sync video and audio so you have a smooth viewing experience. Cloud storage syncs across all your devices, ensuring you always have access to the latest version of a document.
But sync isn't limited to technology. You can also say people are "in sync" emotionally—meaning they understand each other deeply and share similar feelings. Or that events are "out of sync" when things aren't happening as planned or expected.
So, whether it's about timing, coordination, or harmony, sync is all about bringing things together to work as one—a concept that resonates across cultures and disciplines.
Examples
- 1
Device backup
My photos sync automatically between my phone and laptop.
- 2
Account transfer
Make sure your contacts are synced with your email account before you switch devices.
- 3
Audio and video
The sound was slightly out of sync with the video.
- Patternout of sync with + thing
not matching its timing
- 4
Scheduling
We should sync our calendars before we choose a meeting date.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Music and movement
The dancers moved in sync with the music.
- Patternin sync with + music/action
matching its rhythm or timing
- 6
Body clock
After a week of night shifts, my body clock felt completely out of sync.
- 7
Team update
I'll sync up with the sales team this afternoon and send you an update.
- Patternsync up with + person/team
talk briefly so you both have the same information
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- desynchronize
- mismatch
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- sync files
- sync across devices
- sync with the server
- sync audio and video
Word family
- synced
- syncing
Explore
- synchronization
- real-time data
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- syncverb