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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Results will be updated regularly until the counting is complete. Hanna Kang, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024 This article has been updated to add new information. Fernando Cervantes Jr., The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
Turn on newer features Recent iOS and Android updates include a number of new functions designed to make thefts less attractive. Kelvin Chan, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024 The filing also includes updates on share repurchase activities, with 19,841 shares repurchased for approximately $0.6 million during the first nine months of 2024. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for update 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1941, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1961, 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 21 Nov. 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!