downlink

1 of 2

noun

down·​link ˈdau̇n-ˌliŋk How to pronounce downlink (audio)
: a communications channel for receiving transmissions from a spacecraft
also : such transmissions

downlink

2 of 2

verb

downlinked; downlinking; downlinks

transitive verb

: to transmit (data) from a spacecraft or satellite to a receiver on earth

Examples of downlink 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.
Noun
Entry points are created via open protocols for uplinks and downlinks as well as long-range telemetry. — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Artemis missions put high demand on DSN, with additional requirements for telemetry and imagery downlinks to support human spaceflight. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2026
Verb
The technology will allow NASA to downlink 4K imagery and video to the Mission Control Center at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, which then will be shared widely with the public. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 For example, the Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb satellite constellations both downlink via Ku-band frequencies, which are approximately 11 to 14 GHz. — Margherita Bassi, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for downlink

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1963, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downlink was in 1963

Rhymes for downlink

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Browse Nearby Words

downline
downlink
download
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Downlink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downlink. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on downlink

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about downlink

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