UPDATE

update

(noun) the act of bringing someone or something up to date; “the server update ran overnight”; “the local news station broadcast a special weather update”

update

(noun) information or data that updates; “do you have the latest software update?”; “I just heard the update on the unemployment figures”

update

(verb) modernize or bring up to date; “We updated the kitchen in the old house”

update

(verb) bring to the latest state of technology or supply with the latest data; “tonight, I will update my operating system”; “we updated the database with the most recent figures”

update

(verb) bring up to date; supply with recent information

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

update (plural updates)

An advisement providing more up-to-date information than currently known.

A change in information, a modification of existing or known data.

An additional piece of information. An addition to existing information.

A modification of something to a more recent, up-to-date version; (in software) a minor upgrade.

A version of something which is newer than other versions.

Usage notes

In a software context there is a distinction between an update and an upgrade: updates usually include important security patches or bug fixes; an upgrade implies substantial new features and often has to be bought separately (in case of commercial software).