update

American  

[uhp-deyt, uhp-deyt, uhp-deyt] / ʌpˈdeɪt, ˈʌpˌdeɪt, ˈʌpˌdeɪt /

verb (used with object)

updated, updating

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.

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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 British  

verb

1. to bring up to date

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noun

1. the act of updating or something that is updated

Other Word Forms

• updatable adjective
• updateable adjective
• updater noun

Etymology

Origin of update

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

Example Sentences

If a memo about a software update uses words like delve, tapestry, beacon or myriad, a machine wrote it.

From The Wall Street Journal

The property has also been thoughtfully updated for modern comfort.

From MarketWatch

Following its sale in the US, TikTok updated its terms for American users last month, and has increased the amount of data the platform gathers there.

From BBC

Rodriguez, who last month overhauled the state-controlled oil sector to enable a wave of private investment, has set her sights on updating the mining code.

From Barron's

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the body that will hand out the Oscars in Hollywood on March 15, last year updated its rules to say it was neutral on the technology.

From Barron's

Related Words

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