# populate

/ˈpɑpjəˌɫeɪt/ (US) · /pˈɒpjʊlˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/populate
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to fill a place or a system with people or data. In computing, it means putting information into a database or a file.

For teachers: to fill a space, area, or system with people or data. In a technical context, refers to the process of inserting data into a database or populating a file with specific content.

## Examples

- The software will populate the form with your previous details.
- The database administrator needs to populate the new server with the latest customer records before the system goes live.
- Automated scripts can populate the spreadsheet with real-time data from various sensors, ensuring that the dashboard remains updated without manual intervention.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.