install

verb

in·​stall in-ˈstȯl How to pronounce install (audio)
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 install in a Sentence

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 The investigators got a judge’s permission to install a GPS tracker on the SUV. Harriet Ryan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2024 Quick is the operative word in this instance, as the Verge reports that the solution to the slippery pedals problem is a 35-second job that sees engineers drill a hole in the pedal and install a rivet. Owen Bellwood / Jalopnik, Quartz, 22 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for install 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'install.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of install was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near install

Cite this Entry

“Install.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/install. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

install

verb
in·​stall in-ˈstȯl How to pronounce install (audio)
installed; installing
1
: to place in an office or rank
installed the new president
2
: to put in an indicated place or condition
installed himself in the best chair
3
: to set up for use or service
install a TV set
installed the software
installer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on install

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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