update

verb

updated; updating; updates
Synonyms of updatenext

transitive verb

: to bring up to date

intransitive verb

: to become up to date
My computer updated overnight.
updatable adjective
or updateable
ˌəp-ˈdā-tə-bəl How to pronounce update (audio)
ˈəp-ˌdā-
updatable software
updater
ˌəp-ˈdā-tər How to pronounce update (audio)
ˈəp-ˌdā-
noun

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 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.
The non-inclusion of the church among other Christian denominations created a backlash on social media and drew strong rebukes from Mormon members of Congress who urged the Pentagon to update the list. Luis Martinez, ABC News, 8 June 2026 Special digital section is continually updated. Miami Herald Staff Report, Miami Herald, 8 June 2026 Rather than reflecting an actual vote dump, the snapshots captured incomplete moments in a rapidly updating results feed. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2026 In Australia, infant feeding guidelines for allergy prevention were updated in 2016 to recommend introducing egg and other food allergens in the first year of life to reduce the risk of food allergy, according to the new study. Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for update

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of update was in 1941

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Update.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/update. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

update

1 of 2 verb
up·​date ˌəp-ˈdāt How to pronounce update (audio)
: to bring up to date

update

2 of 2 noun
up·​date ˈəp-ˌdāt How to pronounce update (audio)
1
: an act or instance of updating
2
: an up-to-date version, account, or information

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