install

verb

in·​stall in-ˈstȯl How to pronounce install (audio)
installed; installing; installs
Synonyms of installnext

transitive verb

1
: to set up for use or service
had an exhaust fan installed in the kitchen
install software
2
a
: to induct into an office, rank, or order
installed the new president
b
: to place in an office or dignity by seating in a stall or official seat
3
: to establish in an indicated place, condition, or status
installing herself in front of the fireplace

intransitive verb

: to be set up for use or service : to undergo installation
The software installs automatically.
installer noun

Synonyms of install

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Examples of install in a Sentence

New locks were installed on all the doors. We thought about installing a new phone system. The computer comes with the software already installed. The software installs easily on your hard drive. The college recently installed its first woman president. They were temporarily installed in the guest bedroom.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead of customers filling their own containers, Hall plans to install a tap wall and have employees handle the refills. — Beret Leone, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 This is available only to you by default, providing an easy way to install and manage the apps via Google’s system. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026 The company designs, manufactures, and installs undersea fiber-optic networks, bringing together factory production, optical engineering, marine operations, and system testing. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for install

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French enstaller, installer, from Medieval Latin installare, from Latin in- + Medieval Latin stallum stall, from Old High German stal

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of install was in the 15th century

Rhymes for install

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Browse Nearby Words

instal
install
installant
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Cite this Entry

“Install.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/install. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

install

verb
in·​stall in-ˈstȯl How to pronounce install (audio)
installed; installing
1
: to place in an office or rank
installed the new president
2
: to put in an indicated place or condition
installed himself in the best chair
3
: to set up for use or service
install a TV set
installed the software
installer noun
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