install

verb

in·​stall in-ˈstȯl How to pronounce install (audio)
installed; installing; installs
Synonyms of installnext

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

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
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.
To organize your work-in-progress plants, install some outdoor shelves. Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026 Trees would also be allowed, but would need to be trimmed away from walls and roofs, and residents could install only noncombustible fencing against the house. Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026 Washington routinely installs foreign flags along major corridors near the White House and federal office buildings during state visits and other high-level diplomatic events, a long-standing practice meant to honor visiting leaders and signal the significance of the occasion. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2026 Engineers performed deep structural surgery on the aircraft, cutting into its frame to install specialized hardware. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for install

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of install was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Install.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/install. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

install

verb
in·​stall in-ˈstȯl How to pronounce install (audio)
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

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