install
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to place in position or connect for service or use.
to install a heating system;
to install software on a computer.
-
to establish in an office, position, or place.
to install oneself in new quarters.
-
to induct into an office or the like with ceremonies or formalities.
verb
-
to place (machinery, equipment, etc) in position and connect and adjust for use
-
to transfer (computer software) from a distribution file to a permanent location on disk, and prepare it for its particular environment and application
-
to put in a position, rank, etc
-
to settle (a person, esp oneself) in a position or state
she installed herself in an armchair
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of install
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word installāre. See in- 2, stall 1
Explanation
Use the verb install to mean "set up" or "put in place." You can install new software on your computer, or even install new officers to your honor society. The word install traces back to the Latin word installare, from in-, meaning “into,” and stallum, meaning “place” or “stall.” Install has to do with putting someone or something in a chosen place. For example, you might install a solar panel on your roof, install your best friend in a cushy job at your company, or install yourself at the best table in your favorite restaurant.
Vocabulary lists containing install
Catching Fire
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Distance Between Us
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"The Prince and the Pauper," Vocabulary from the drama
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She chose panels, which cost about $6,000, instead of applying single shingles because they were faster and easier to install.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 20, 2026
Yuan decided to surreptitiously install a camera at work, and what it captured made her stomach curdle.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026
Charging companies in the U.S. are on track to install about as many public EV plugs this year as in 2025, the industry’s record high.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 11, 2026
American Airlines plans to install Starlink Wi-Fi service on all of its 1,000 mainline jets, up from the 500 it announced earlier this year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026
Sometimes, after the contract work was finished, he was asked to remain on the job to install his motion study methods within the factory itself.
From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
