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 of install

• inaugurate
• induct
• initiate

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

Fueled by their presence in diners and the rise of linoleum flooring—which made the style easier and cheaper to install—the familiar black-and-white checkered floor quickly took over kitchens and bathrooms. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2025

Chief Jon Pritchard also urged developers in the area to install sprinklers in new builds as more residents move to the area. —Jonah Kaplan, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

Federal officials planned cutting at least 675 trees and trimming thousands of others to install riprap, or rocks, to strengthen banks. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 21 Nov. 2025

Engineers strip out the driver’s seat and install 143 lbs (65 kgs) of electronics, essentially computers and sensors, about as heavy as a human driver. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 21 Nov. 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