update

1 of 2

verb

up·​date ˌəp-ˈdāt  ˈəp-ˌdāt 

updated; updating; updates

transitive verb

: to bring up to date

updatable adjective

or updateable

ˌəp-ˈdā-tə-bəl 

ˈəp-ˌdā-

updatable software

updater

ˌəp-ˈdā-tər 

ˈəp-ˌdā-

noun

update

2 of 2

noun

up·​date ˈəp-ˌdāt 

1

: an act or instance of updating

2

: current information for updating something

3

: an up-to-date version, account, or report

Synonyms

Verb

• contemporize
• modernize
• streamline

Examples of update in a Sentence

Verb

I need to update my address book.

update all the population figures

She wants to update her wardrobe.

Noun

I haven't heard the latest weather update.

You can download updates for free.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

This occurs only when the media is created to include the October 2024, or November 2024, security updates as part of the installation (these updates were released between October 8, 2024 and November 12, 2024)... —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024

Like the American flag, these flags changed over time, with early state banners updated, sometimes subtly and sometimes magnificently, after wars, demographic shifts, and political movements—see Mississippi’s recent move from rebel stars and blocky bars to magnolia-blossom beauty. —Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 28 Dec. 2024

Noun

Regularly review and update privacy settings: Smart home cameras often receive software updates that may change privacy settings. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 29 Dec. 2024

Republished on December 29 with new reports into another Windows update issue hitting users. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1941, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1961, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

update

1 of 2 verb

up·​date ˌəp-ˈdāt 

: to bring up to date

update

2 of 2 noun

up·​date ˈəp-ˌdāt 

1

: an act or instance of updating

2

: an up-to-date version, account, or information