install

verb

in·​stall in-ˈstȯl 

installed; installing; installs

transitive verb

1

: to set up for use or service

had an exhaust fan installed in the kitchen

install software

2

a

: to induct into an office, rank, or order

installed the new president

b

: to place in an office or dignity by seating in a stall or official seat

3

: to establish in an indicated place, condition, or status

installing herself in front of the fireplace

intransitive verb

: to be set up for use or service : to undergo installation

The software installs automatically.

installer noun

Synonyms

• baptize
• inaugurate
• induct
• initiate
• instate
• invest
• seat

Examples of install in a Sentence

New locks were installed on all the doors.

We thought about installing a new phone system.

The computer comes with the software already installed.

The software installs easily on your hard drive.

The college recently installed its first woman president.

They were temporarily installed in the guest bedroom.

Recent Examples on the Web

Oceanside’s neighbor Carlsbad and other coastal communities initially opposed the proposal to install any kind of sand retention structures on the beach. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 June 2025

Also, install and update strong antivirus software. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025

This time, as well as stealing your data and encrypting your files, the Anubis attackers install a custom wiper that can permanently and irrevocably destroy them at the whim of the hackers. —Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings. —Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 16 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French enstaller, installer, from Medieval Latin installare, from Latin in- + Medieval Latin stallum stall, from Old High German stal

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Rhymes for install

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

Kids Definition

install

verb

in·​stall in-ˈstȯl 

installed; installing

1

: to place in an office or rank

installed the new president

2

: to put in an indicated place or condition

installed himself in the best chair

3

: to set up for use or service

install a TV set

installed the software

installer noun