stream
/stɹiːm/
The central image is one of fluid, uninterrupted movement. Whether referring to water, people, or data, it suggests a steady pace rather than a sudden burst or a stagnant pool. In its physical sense, it feels gentler and more intimate than a 'river' but more purposeful than a 'drip'. It implies a natural path of least resistance. When applied to people or information, it carries a connotation of abundance and consistency. A "stream of visitors" suggests a rhythmic, never-ending arrival rather than a chaotic crowd. In the modern digital context, it transforms the concept of 'downloading' (which is like filling a bucket) into a continuous flow (like drinking from a tap), emphasizing real-time access over ownership.
Countable when referring to a specific geographical body of water ('a winding stream in the woods'). Uncountable when describing the physical action or state of flowing ('a steady stream of liquid')
💬Casual Conversation
Still planning on that job search or just gonna stream tonight?
Just started a new stream, actually. Gotta finish this raid.
Meanings
A continuous flow of liquid, air, or other fluid.
"A steady stream of water leaked from the pipe."
A continuous succession of people, things, or information.
"There was a constant stream of visitors to the museum."
Collocations & Compounds
stream of consciousness
a literary method of writing that depicts the unedited flow of a character's thoughts and feelings.
The novel is famous for its stream of consciousness narrative.
stream of data
a continuous flow of information or data.
The server processed a huge stream of data every second.
stream of visitors
a continuous flow of people visiting a place or person.
There was a constant stream of visitors at the exhibition.
stream of consciousness writing
writing that attempts to represent the real thoughts and feelings of a character.
She practiced stream of consciousness writing to explore her subconscious.
stream of traffic
a continuous flow of vehicles on a road.
The accident caused a long stream of traffic.
Phrasal Verbs
stream in
to arrive or be received in large numbers or quantities.
Donations began to stream in after the disaster appeal.
stream out
to leave a place in large numbers or quantities.
The fans began to stream out of the stadium after the game.
stream through
to move through a place or process in large numbers.
Refugees began to stream through the border crossing.
Idioms & Sayings
go with the stream
to follow what most other people are doing or thinking; to be conventional.
He never had any original ideas; he just preferred to go with the stream.
swim against the stream
to do something that is different from what most people do; to be unconventional.
She was always willing to swim against the stream to pursue her beliefs.
stream of consciousness
a literary style in which a character's thoughts and feelings are depicted in a continuous, flowing manner.
James Joyce's novel 'Ulysses' is a prime example of stream of consciousness.
Etymology
The word 'stream' comes from the Old English word 'strēam', meaning 'flow of water, river, course, current'. It is related to Old Norse 'straumr' and Proto-Germanic 'straumaz'. The meaning has broadened over time to include any continuous flow or movement, particularly in the context of digital data transmission.