update

1 of 2

verb

up·​date ˌəp-ˈdāt  ˈəp-ˌdāt 

updated; updating; updates

transitive verb

: to bring up to date

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

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

Sheeran even updated his Spotify page to a photo of Rupert Grint to continue the stalker fantasy. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025

The Enquirer will update this developing news report. —Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025

Noun

When end customers call their bank to ask for an update, banks themselves have little visibility into a dispute’s status, leaving everyone frustrated. —Jeff Kauflin, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

How to view Mackinac Bridge cams Travelers can check the Mackinac Bridge Cam online for updates. —Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1941, in the meaning defined above

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