install

verb

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

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.
Trim trees and install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and impact glass, and seal outside wall openings. Mike Snider, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025 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, 27 Sep. 2025 According to residents who live in the Indian Hills neighborhood, multiple internet companies had been working to install fiber in Lexington. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2025 The robbery prompted the creation of a new program in Santa Clara County that provides funds to small businesses to install concrete barriers and technology connecting security cameras to a real-time intelligence center at the San Jose Police Department. Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025 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 30 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on install

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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