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

Retailers typically update electronic shelf prices on a regular schedule, often weekly, because shoppers value consistency, said Asa Farquhar of Relex Solutions, a retail technology company. — Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026

The stunning eat-in kitchen is updated with high end custom cabinetry, a center island with room for seating on one side and a workspace surrounding the kitchen sink. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026

Noun

Resources were unlikely to reach the islands for three to five days, according to Saturday updates from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

The Coast Guard said Customs and Border Protection was investigating and interviewing the survivors, but the agency did not immediately respond to requests for updates. — Mikella Schuettler, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 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