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.
And now there’s a new digital-physical version that will live on a thumb drive. — Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2026 Both Green and Granick said Microsoft could have users install a key on a piece of hardware like a thumb drive, which would act as a backup or recovery key. — Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 Authier said that after Catron left his appointment, a visitor found a thumb drive near where Catron had parked and turned it over to sheriff’s office personnel. — Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2026 Multiple copies of footage were stashed in different locations, all of which were later sneaked out of the country on a USB thumb drive so the movie could be edited in Paris. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 Jan. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thumb drive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thumb%20drive. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

thumb drive

noun
: flash drive
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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