trans·fer
tran(t)s-ˈfər 
ˈtran(t)s-ˌfər
transferred; transferring
1
2
: to make over the possession or control of : convey
3
: to print or otherwise copy from one surface to another by contact
1
: to move to a different place, region, or situation
especially
: to withdraw from one educational institution to enroll at another
2
: to change from one vehicle or transportation line to another
trans·fer
ˈtran(t)s-ˌfər
1
a
: conveyance of right, title, or interest in real or personal property from one person to another
b
: removal or acquisition of property by mere delivery with intent to transfer title
2
a
: an act, process, or instance of transferring : transference sense 2
b
: the carryover or generalization of learned responses from one type of situation to another
3
: one that transfers or is transferred
especially
: a graphic image transferred by contact from one surface to another
4
: a place where a transfer is made (as of trains to ferries or as where one form of power is changed to another)
5
: a ticket entitling a passenger on a public conveyance to continue the trip on another route
Synonyms
Examples of transfer in a Sentence
Verb
We transferred the baby's car seat to the other car.
The patient was transferred to a different hospital.
transfer data on the hard drive to a disk
He transferred my call to another line.
The virus is transferred by mosquitoes.
He transferred control of the company to his son.
She was able to transfer her organizational skills to her new job.
Her skills transferred well to her new job.
Noun
We switched to another car, and the transfer only took a few minutes.
They arranged for a transfer of the prisoner to a different prison.
a material that reduces heat transfer
speeding up data transfer between computers
We are doing everything possible to ensure a smooth transfer to the new system.
a transfer by deed or will
a transfer to the home office
My overseas transfer has been approved.
Recent Examples on the Web
Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024
His shareholding transferred to his wife, Laura, an agent for film and TV crew, following his sudden death in February at the age of 64.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 9 Apr. 2024
The books have an attractive homemade look; scenic designer Casey Price has transferred that look to the stage here.
—Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2024
Receiver: Kris Mitchell transferred to Notre Dame after setting FIU’s single-season receiving record with 1,118 yards.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2024
He was subsequently transferred to the maximum security La Roca prison in Guayaquil.
—Marlon Sorto, CNN, 8 Apr. 2024
They got married in 1978 Auriemma later transferred to West Chester University, ultimately graduating in 1977.
—Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 5 Apr. 2024
Rock formations in the east are denser, allowing shaking to easily transfer across hundreds of miles, according to the USGS.
—Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024
Tamayo was first taken to another hospital before being transferred to Cook Children’s.
—Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2024
Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
But that was before the COVID-19 pandemic created a cast of six-year super seniors and the opening of the transfer portal that took them on their individual paths.
Delayed is not denied.
—Clarence E. Hill Jr., Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 2024
Despite the discount, the deal still ranks among the priciest real estate transfers recorded in Los Angeles so far this year.
—James McClain, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024
The West Virginia transfer is a solid run defender with an NFL-caliber spin move.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2024
Graduates from 30 degree programs are eligible for the transfer plan.
—Al Gaspeny, arkansasonline.com, 7 Apr. 2024
The longest sentences so far have gone to the leaders of two far-right extremist groups — the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys — who were convicted of seditious conspiracy after trials that showcased weeks of plotting to use force to stop the transfer of presidential power from Trump to Biden.
—CBS News, 5 Apr. 2024
Then, there’s Howlett, a transfer from NAIA University of British Columbia in his native Canada.
—Brian Robin, Orange County Register, 5 Apr. 2024
Second, the Jayhawks need to add a sharpshooter from the transfer portal to slot into McCullar’s spot.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2024
Verb
Exercise discretion with co-workers: While being transparent with your manager is essential, consider keeping your intention to transfer confidential from your co-workers until your move is confirmed.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024
His shareholding transferred to his wife, Laura, an agent for film and TV crew, following his sudden death in February at the age of 64.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 9 Apr. 2024
The books have an attractive homemade look; scenic designer Casey Price has transferred that look to the stage here.
—Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2024
Receiver: Kris Mitchell transferred to Notre Dame after setting FIU’s single-season receiving record with 1,118 yards.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2024
He was subsequently transferred to the maximum security La Roca prison in Guayaquil.
—Marlon Sorto, CNN, 8 Apr. 2024
They got married in 1978 Auriemma later transferred to West Chester University, ultimately graduating in 1977.
—Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 5 Apr. 2024
Rock formations in the east are denser, allowing shaking to easily transfer across hundreds of miles, according to the USGS.
—Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024
Tamayo was first taken to another hospital before being transferred to Cook Children’s.
—Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2024
Noun
Edge rusher might be the team’s thinnest position after coach DeShaun Foster confirmed Tuesday that Choe Bryant-Strother had entered the transfer portal, becoming the latest edge rusher to depart.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
But that was before the COVID-19 pandemic created a cast of six-year super seniors and the opening of the transfer portal that took them on their individual paths.
Delayed is not denied.
—Clarence E. Hill Jr., Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 2024
Despite the discount, the deal still ranks among the priciest real estate transfers recorded in Los Angeles so far this year.
—James McClain, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024
The West Virginia transfer is a solid run defender with an NFL-caliber spin move.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2024
Graduates from 30 degree programs are eligible for the transfer plan.
—Al Gaspeny, arkansasonline.com, 7 Apr. 2024
The longest sentences so far have gone to the leaders of two far-right extremist groups — the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys — who were convicted of seditious conspiracy after trials that showcased weeks of plotting to use force to stop the transfer of presidential power from Trump to Biden.
—CBS News, 5 Apr. 2024
Then, there’s Howlett, a transfer from NAIA University of British Columbia in his native Canada.
—Brian Robin, Orange County Register, 5 Apr. 2024
Second, the Jayhawks need to add a sharpshooter from the transfer portal to slot into McCullar’s spot.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'transfer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near transfer
Cite this Entry
“Transfer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transfer. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
transfer
1 of 2 verb
trans·fer
tran(t)s-ˈfər
ˈtran(t)s-ˌfər
ˈtran(t)s-ˌfər
transferred; transferring
1
a
: to pass from one person, place, or situation to another
b
: to cause to pass from one to another
2
: to give over the possession or ownership of
3
: to move to a different place, region, or situation
especially
: to withdraw from one school to enroll at another
4
: to change from one vehicle or transportation line to another
transferable
adjective
tran(t)s-ˈfər-ə-bəl
transfer
2 of 2 noun
trans·fer
ˈtran(t)s-ˌfər
1
: a giving over of right, title, or interest in property by one person to another
2
: an act, process, or example of transferring
3
: one that transfers or is transferred
4
: a graphic image transferred by contact from one surface to another
5
: a place where a transfer is made (as from trains to ferries)
6
: a ticket permitting a passenger on a bus or train to continue the journey by another route
Etymology
Verb
Middle English transferren "to transfer," from Latin transferre (same meaning), from trans- "across, through" and ferre "to bear, carry" — related to defer entry 1, fertile
Medical Definition
transfer
noun
trans·fer
ˈtran(t)s-ˌfər
1
2
: the carryover or generalization of learned responses from one type of situation to another see negative transfer
Legal Definition
transfer
1 of 2 transitive verb
trans·fer
trans-ˈfər, ˈtrans-ˌfər
transferred; transferring
: to cause a transfer of
transferral
noun
trans-ˈfər-əl
transfer
2 of 2 noun
trans·fer
ˈtrans-ˌfər
1
: a conveyance of a right, title, or interest in real or personal property from one person or entity to another
2
: a passing of something from one to another
transfer of venue
the transfer of power
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