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 best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2025

For rabbits, install a fence with a minimum height of 18 inches with one-inch openings, such as inexpensive chicken wire, which will last a few seasons. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 10 May 2025

This malware allows cyber actors to install proxies on unsuspecting victim routers and conduct cyber crimes anonymously. —Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025

Majerus used Photoshop to design his paintings and then virtually install them in specific gallery spaces in advance, tailoring the layout down to the inch, before his brush ever touched canvas. —Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 7 May 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