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

The following month, as immigrants were crossing from Mexico, Abbott announced the state would install a 1,000-foot strip of buoys to prevent river crossings. —Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 16 Apr. 2025

Any Android user can install AVG’s free mobile antivirus, which combines a substantial collection of security features with many, many upsell opportunities. —PC Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025

Rosen’s report, which draws from interviews with staff at nine companies that install residential solar in Illinois, paints a picture of a permitting process that can be long, frustrating and unpredictable. —Nara Schoenberg, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025

By year’s end, construction crews plan to install electronic signs at seven intersections near the rail crossing that will provide live updates on the track’s status. —Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 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