thumb drive

noun

: a small usually rectangular device used for storing and transferring computer data : flash drive

Examples of thumb drive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The letter arrived with a thumb drive purporting to contain the list of voters in question, and a handwritten note providing the password. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 According to a copy of the letter shared by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder, the correspondence included a thumb drive and a handwritten password to access the files. — Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 14 Oct. 2026 While going through Verity’s notes, Lowen finds a thumb drive that holds the author’s autobiography. — Glamour, 2 Oct. 2026 According to a whistleblower complaint, Solly sought help transferring sensitive data, including the personal identifying information of millions of Americans, from SSA on a thumb drive to share with his current employer. — Vittoria Elliott, Wired News, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thumb drive

Word History

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thumb drive was in 2002

Rhymes for thumb drive

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Browse Nearby Words

thumb down
thumb drive
thumber
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Cite this Entry

“Thumb drive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thumb%20drive. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

thumb drive

noun
: flash drive
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