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 story has been updated with additional information. —Jamie Barton, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025

This article has been updated with additional information. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025

Noun

Renewable energy production reached record amounts in 2024, producing 24% of U.S. electricity, an annual update on sustainable energy finds. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025

Each email could spark multiple updates your audience wants to read. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

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