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
Viridi installs state-of-the-art tech Viridi’s RPS 150 was installed at GRID-C’s Power Distribution Field Test Site. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026 Kimpton plans to use native plants that need less water and to install efficient plumbing. Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Phishing links can steal information or install malware on your device. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The talkies’ arrival was a major hardship in many respects for the movie industry, as theater owners had to install expensive new equipment, and studios could no longer easily export fresh product to lucrative foreign markets. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 31 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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