install

1 of 2

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

installer

2 of 2

noun

in·​stall·​er

ə̇nzˈtȯlə(r), 

ə̇nˈst-

plural -s

: one that installs

repairmen and installers of new equipment

Synonyms of install

Verb

• inaugurate
• induct
• initiate

Examples of install in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Naperville would also need to identify as quickly as possible which generation and storage technologies are feasible for the city to install. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026

Part of the problem is that, outside of their tenants’ pleas, landlords face neither any real pressure nor any legal requirement to install shutters and ceiling fans; even owners who want to do so are thwarted by recalcitrant co-op boards or finicky historic-preservation reviews. — Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026

And this month, Aetrex partnered with the IMG Academy, the world’s leading sports eduction brand, to install five Albert Pro foot scanners across the IMG campus in Bradenton, Fla. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 26 June 2026

Patmos would divide the open warehouse space into smaller rooms, add pipes and support infrastructure and install sound-muffling materials. — Ilana Arougheti june 26, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Verb

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