update
UHP-dayt
Update (noun) means a piece of new or more current information about something. Example: “The reporter gave a live update on the wildfire.”
noun
1
A piece of new or more current information about something.
"The reporter gave a live update on the wildfire."
"Can you send me an update on the project by Friday?"
2
A revised, newer version of software or a system.
"I installed the latest update for my phone."
"The app pushed a security update overnight."
verb
1
To bring something up to date, or to give someone the latest information.
"Please update your address on file."
"She updated her boss on the negotiations."
How to use update
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something current, or the fresh information/version itself.
Common pairings
software update
update someone on
latest update
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Word forms
- Plural
- updates
- Third person singular
- updates
- Past tense
- updated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The reporter gave a live _____ on the wildfire.
Etymology
Formed from up- + date; first recorded in English in the 1940s.
Class of 1940
update joined the language around 1940.
See the full Class of 1940 →
Related words
Rhymes for update
See all rhymes for update →Frequently asked questions
What does “update” mean?
The word “update” means a piece of new or more current information about something. In plain terms, to make something current, or the fresh information/version itself.
How do you pronounce “update”?
“Update” is pronounced UHP-dayt (/ˈʌp.deɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “update” in a sentence?
Here is “update” used in a sentence: “The reporter gave a live update on the wildfire.”
What part of speech is “update”?
Depending on how it is used, “update” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “update” come from?
The word “update” dates back to around 1940. Formed from up- + date; first recorded in English in the 1940s.
Is “update” a common word?
“Update” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “update” have?
“Update” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a piece of new or more current information about something.
What is the difference between an update and an upgrade?
An update is new information or a minor improvement that keeps something current, fixing bugs or adding small changes, usually free. An upgrade is a bigger step up to a newer or better version, often with major new features and sometimes a cost. Updates maintain; upgrades advance to a higher level.
What is an example of an update?
A software update that patches security flaws on your phone is a common example. So is a status update at work, a live update during breaking news, or a friend giving you an update on their plans. In each case, it is fresh information or a change that brings something up to date.
What are the types of updates?
Updates come in many forms. In technology, there are software updates, security updates, and system updates. In communication, there are status updates, progress updates, and news updates. Broadly, they split into two kinds: those that share new information, and those that make small technical changes to keep a product current.
Why are updates important?
Updates keep things current, safe, and accurate. Software updates fix bugs and close security gaps that hackers exploit, while information updates ensure people act on the latest facts rather than outdated ones. Skipping updates can leave a device vulnerable or leave someone working from stale, misleading information. Staying updated reduces risk.
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