update

1 of 2

verb

up·​date ˌəp-ˈdāt  ˈəp-ˌdāt 

updated; updating; updates

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 

ˈəp-ˌdā-

updatable software

updater

ˌəp-ˈdā-tər 

ˈəp-ˌdā-

noun

update

2 of 2

noun

up·​date ˈəp-ˌdāt 

1

: an act or instance of updating

2

: current information for updating something

3

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

Synonyms of update

Verb

• redesign
• modernize
• streamline
• remake

Examples of update in a Sentence

Verb

I need to update my address book.

update all the population figures

She wants to update her wardrobe.

Noun

I haven't heard the latest weather update.

You can download updates for free.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Back in the present, the Halogram (last updated in 2006) susses out that John is lying about the grandeur of Hal’s funeral when the former protégé mentions sitting next to MOGO, the Lantern who famously doesn’t socialize. — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026

VMAs 2026 Winners The Hollywood Reporter will update the Video Music Awards winners list as they’re announced live. — Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2026

Noun

At the same time, Walmart was hearing requests from employees for updates to its training programs. — Alice Barlow, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026

The closing text at the very end gives a final update on the real-life Murray and his work. — Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1941, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1961, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for update

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

update

1 of 2 verb

up·​date ˌəp-ˈdāt 

: to bring up to date

update

2 of 2 noun

up·​date ˈəp-ˌdāt 

1

: an act or instance of updating

2

: an up-to-date version, account, or information