The term 'buffering' in streaming media refers to the process of preloading data before it is displayed to the user. When content such as video or audio is streamed online, buffering allows the system to download a portion of the media file into temporary storage, ensuring that playback can continue smoothly without interruptions caused by slow internet connections. This is critical for providing a more uninterrupted experience, reducing latency, and improving user satisfaction during online media consumption.