instal

1 of 2
in·​stal

chiefly British spelling of install

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 instal 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
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.
Verb
Blacksmith instead buys its own machines, tens of thousands of them, according to Jayaprakash, and installs them in data centers around the world. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026 But this survey gives some clear insight into how existing rules communities use for purchasing police tech can help a surveillance tech company quietly install cameras across the country. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026 The software can be configured to install updates automatically, or users can manually download and install them. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026 Leatherman Next, Leatherman installs a sheepsfoot blade purposefully shaped for working like a small kitchen utility knife. — New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instal

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instal. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster