update

[ verb uhp-deyt, uhp-deyt; noun uhp-deyt ]

verb (used with object)

, up·dat·ed, up·dat·ing.

1. to bring (a book, figures, or the like) up to date as by adding new information or making corrections:

   to update a science textbook.

2. Computers. to incorporate new or more accurate information in (a database, program, procedure, etc.).
3. to bring (a person, organization, etc.) up to date on a particular subject:

   The magazine article will update you on the international situation.

noun

1. an act or instance of updating:

   to make an update in a financial ledger.

2. information or data used in updating.
3. an updated version, model, or the like.

update

verb

1. to bring up to date

noun

1. the act of updating or something that is updated

Derived Forms

• upˈdater, noun
• upˈdateable, adjective

Other Words From

• up·data·ble adjective
• up·dater noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of update¹

First recorded in 1940–45; up- + date ¹

Example Sentences

She said her organization and other nonprofits met regularly with officials in the Biden and Obama administrations to get updates on student loans, but only once with the Trump administration.

From Los Angeles Times

"We are contacting her family to express our sympathies, explain our role, and set out how our investigation will progress. We will keep them fully updated as our investigation continues."

From BBC

"At this time, there does not appear to be a continued food safety concern related to this outbreak at McDonald’s restaurants," the update said.

From BBC

The 2024 general election was the first where all 4,515 candidates were offered basic security and had access to a named police officer during the campaign and guidance on respectful campaigning was updated.

From BBC

For example, people can forget to update their address and the number of points can rise as the case escalates, she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• amend
• modernize
• refurbish
• renew
• renovate
• restore
• revise