update

verb up·date \ ˌəp-ˈdāt \

|Updated on: 2 Aug 2018

Examples: update in a Sentence

Definition of update

updated; updating; updates

transitive verb

: to bring up to date

—

updatable

or updateable play \ˌəp-ˈdā-tə-bəl\ adjective

- updatable software

—

updater

play \ˌəp-ˈdā-tər\ noun

See update defined for English-language learners

See update defined for kids

Examples of update in a Sentence

I need to update my address book.
update all the population figures
She wants to update her wardrobe.

Recent Examples of update from the Web

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect the current name of the Center for Conservation Genomics (formerly the Center for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics) at Smithsonian's Conservation Biology Institute.

— National Geographic, "Long-Lost Panda Relative Revealed by 22,000-Year-Old Fossil," 18 June 2018
Ford also updated himself into Maeve's unit remotely—presumably using the Delos Mesh Network—and unlocked her core permissions in an attempt to help her fight back.

— mehera bonner, Harper's BAZAAR, "Westworld Season 2 Episode 9: A New Theory on The Door and Why Bernard Ditched His Scar," 18 June 2018
It has been updated to note that Haddish named Sanaa Lathan as the Beyoncé biter.

— constance grady, Vox, "Why Tiffany Haddish’s “someone bit Beyoncé” story is so enthralling," 14 June 2018
Built in 1787, the 2,160-square-foot home has been updated and expanded over the years, but many historic details remain.

— lauren ro, Curbed, "1787 colonial updated for live-work asking $425K," 12 June 2018
First profiled by Oscar-winning filmmaker Jean-Xavier de Lestrade in 2004, the case has been updated with new evidence and continued challenges to the conviction.

— sean axmaker, OregonLive.com, "What's new for streaming: 'Lady Bird,' 'A Wrinkle in Time,' 'Five Points' on Facebook," 8 June 2018
Editor note: The headline of this story has been updated.

— bryan smith, Los Angeles Magazine, "How Lisa Bloom Bounced Back From Controversy," 8 June 2018
This post will be continually updated throughout the day.

— bon appétit, Bon Appetit, "Anthony Bourdain Is Dead at 61," 8 June 2018
This story has been updated to include a comment from the Menendez campaign.

— lev facher, STAT, "Read the fine print: N.J. senator sets up phony health news website to attack challenger Bob Hugin," 13 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'update.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of update

1941

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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update Synonyms

Synonyms

contemporize, modernize, streamline;

update

noun up·date \ ˈəp-ˌdāt \

Definition of update

1 : an act or instance of updating

2 : current information for updating something

3 : an up-to-date version, account, or report

See update defined for English-language learners

Examples of update in a Sentence

I haven't heard the latest weather update.
You can download updates for free.

Recent Examples of update from the Web

Join Lee’s Summit Area Fishing Facebook Group for daily updates.

— tyler mahoney special to the star, kansascity, "Fishing report: Catfish action picking up in Kansas, Missouri lakes," 11 July 2018
Watch for more updates from the town and postings at various boat launches.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Windham Edition," 10 July 2018
This is a developing story, check back for more updates.

— kate talerico, The Courier-Journal, "LMPD responds to a shooting in Pleasure Ridge Park," 8 July 2018
Democratic senators sent Nielsen and Azar a similar letter last week asking for weekly updates on the agency’s reunification efforts.

— colby itkowitz, Washington Post, "Lawmakers demand details about every migrant child separated from parents," 5 July 2018
See all of his photos so far in the slideshow here, and check back every day for more updates.

— phil oh, Vogue, "Phil Oh’s Best Street Style Photos From the Fall ’18 Paris Haute Couture Shows," 5 July 2018
This is a developing story; check back for more updates.

— samuel chamberlain, Fox News, "LeBron James signs massive free agent deal with Los Angeles Lakers," 1 July 2018
Read on for more updates about the march, and be sure to check out our livestream below.

— de elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Families Belong Together Marches Take Place Across the Country," 30 June 2018
For further updates, Cahill said, people can check the library website as well as its social media channels.

— elena weissmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee Public Library Capitol Branch and Washington Park Branch closed due to storm," 18 June 2018

First Known Use of update

1965

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

UPDATE Defined for English Language Learners

update

verb

Definition of update for English Language Learners

: to change (something) by including the most recent information
: to make (something) more modern
: to give (someone) the most recent information about something

update

noun

Definition of update for English Language Learners

: a report that includes the most recent information about something
: a change or addition to computer software that includes the most recent information