update

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

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR update ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), up·dat·ed, up·dat·ing.

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

Computers. to incorporate new or more accurate information in (a database, program, procedure, etc.).

to bring (a person, organization, etc.) up to date on a particular subject: The magazine article will update you on the international situation.

noun

an act or instance of updating: to make an update in a financial ledger.

information or data used in updating.

an updated version, model, or the like.

Origin of update

First recorded in 1940–45; up- + date¹

Related formsup·dat·a·ble, adjectiveup·dat·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for update

restore, amend, refurbish, renovate, renew, modernize, revise, refresh, rejuvenate

Examples from the Web for update

Contemporary Examples of update

However, it deserves to be carefully studied in order to update the information which is provided to the volunteers.
Uh Oh: Ebola Vaccine Trials Stop
Leigh Cowart
December 19, 2014
With 3D printing you can continue to use the file and update.
3-D Printing Is Changing the Future of Prosthetics
Lucy Vernasco
December 10, 2014
UPDATE: Managing editor Will Dana took greater responsibility for Rolling Stone's errors in a series of tweets Friday evening.
Rolling Stone Said Yesterday U-VA Rape Story Was ‘Entirely Credible’
Lloyd Grove
December 5, 2014
Update: It appears Lauten has deleted the apology from Facebook.
GOP Flack Throws Shade at First Teens
Olivia Nuzzi
November 29, 2014
Newer devices may have built-in passwords that are difficult to update.
How Your Pacemaker Will Get Hacked
Kaiser Health News
November 17, 2014

Historical Examples of update

The following changes in spelling were made, to update them.
A Sketch of the Life of Brig. Gen. Francis Marion
William Dobein James
They came back to Liberty Square with a message: update the attractions.
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom
Cory Doctorow
No attempt has been made to edit this book for consistency or to update or "correct" the spelling.
The Village Watch-Tower
(AKA Kate Douglas Riggs) Kate Douglas Wiggin

British Dictionary definitions for update

update

verb (ʌpˈdeɪt) (tr)

to bring up to date

noun (ˈʌpˌdeɪt)

the act of updating or something that is updated

Derived Formsupdateable, adjectiveupdater, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for update

1948, in reference to information, 1952 in reference to persons, from up + date (v.1). Related: Updated; updating. The noun is attested from 1967.