bootstrap

¹boot·strap

noun \ˈbüt-ˌstrap\

Definition of BOOTSTRAP

1

: a looped strap sewed at the side or the rear top of a boot to help in pulling it on

2

plural : unaided efforts —often used in the phrase by one's own bootstraps

First Known Use of BOOTSTRAP

1875

Rhymes with BOOTSTRAP

ASCAP, backslap, backwrap, bitmap, blackcap, burlap, Carnap, catnap, cell sap, claptrap, death cap, death trap, dunce cap, dognap, earflap, entrap, enwrap, firetrap, foolscap, gelcap, gift wrap, gun lap, heeltap, hubcap, ice cap, jockstrap, kidnap, kneecap, lagniappe, light trap, livetrap, love tap, madcap, mantrap, mayhap, mishap, mobcap, mousetrap, mud flap, nightcap, on tap, pace lap, pinesap, rattrap, recap, redcap, remap, riprap, road map, root cap, sand trap, shiplap, shrink-wrap, skullcap, skycap, snowcap, spark gap, speed trap, steel-trap, stopgap, toe cap, unsnap, unstrap, unwrap, watch cap, whitecap, wind gap, winesap, wiretap, word wrap

²bootstrap

adjective

Definition of BOOTSTRAP

1

: designed to function independently of outside direction : capable of using one internal function or process to control another <a bootstrap operation to load a computer>

2

: carried out with minimum resources or advantages <bootstrap efforts>

First Known Use of BOOTSTRAP

1926

³bootstrap

transitive verb

Definition of BOOTSTRAP

: to promote or develop by initiative and effort with little or no assistance <bootstrapped herself to the top>

— boot·strap·per noun

First Known Use of BOOTSTRAP

1951