update

1 of 2

verb

updated; updating; updates

transitive verb

: to bring up to date
updatable adjective
or updateable
ˌəp-ˈdā-tə-bəl How to pronounce update (audio)
ˈəp-ˌdā-
updatable software
updater
ˌəp-ˈdā-tər How to pronounce update (audio)
ˈəp-ˌdā-
noun

update

2 of 2

noun

up·​date ˈəp-ˌdāt How to pronounce update (audio)
1
: an act or instance of updating
2
: current information for updating something
3
: an up-to-date version, account, or report

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 year sees Patek updating perennial favorites, in what appears to be a trend across brands for 2024’s edition of Watches & Wonders. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024 The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements except as required under applicable law. Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for update 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'update.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1941, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of update was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near update

Cite this Entry

“Update.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/update. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

update

1 of 2 verb
up·​date ˌəp-ˈdāt How to pronounce update (audio)
: to bring up to date

update

2 of 2 noun
up·​date ˈəp-ˌdāt How to pronounce update (audio)
1
: an act or instance of updating
2
: an up-to-date version, account, or information

More from Merriam-Webster on update

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!