re·boot
(ˌ)rē-ˈbüt 
rebooted; rebooting; reboots
1
a
transitive + intransitive
: to shut down and restart (a computer or program)
… the annoyance of having to reboot the computer to switch operating systems …—
Robert Weston
Robert WestonIf anything ever happens to the original drive, you can reboot using the cloned drive and be up and running in minutes.—Dan Frakes
Dan Frakes
b
intransitive
: to start up again after closing or shutting down : to boot up again
waiting for a computer/program to reboot
2
a
transitive
: to start (something) anew : to refresh (something) by making a new start or creating a new version
It's probably not an overstatement to say Sandberg is embarking on the most ambitious mission to reboot feminism and reframe discussions of gender since the launch of Ms. magazine in 1971.—Belinda Luscombe
Belinda Luscombereboot an old TV series
b
intransitive
: to start anew : to make a fresh start
The interior designer's heart was telling her to reboot and downsize …—Susan Heeger
Susan Heeger
plural reboots
1
: the act or an instance of shutting down and restarting something (such as a computer or program)
In a few cases, errors cause a headlong exit to DOS or the software ceases to operate, requiring a reboot.—George F. Hepner
George F. Hepner2
: the act or an instance of starting (something) anew or making a fresh start
In a massive reboot last fall, all 200 rooms were done up in geometric rugs and curvy leather headboards.—Jen Murphy
Jen MurphyExamples of reboot in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025
One issue with Marathon is that the game was more or less rebooted under a new director, Joe Ziegler, so the current version is about only two years of work, even if the game has technically been in development for five.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Anna Faris and Regina Hall are running to the Scary Movie reboot that is hitting theaters next year.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reboot
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Verb
The new co-head of DC Studios (alongside Peter Safran) has been busy rebooting the comic book company's onscreen world with an entire slate of movies and shows that kicked off with last month's Superman (written and directed by Gunn).
—EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025
One issue with Marathon is that the game was more or less rebooted under a new director, Joe Ziegler, so the current version is about only two years of work, even if the game has technically been in development for five.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
Bodybuilder Steve Cook was a trainer on USA's 2020 reboot of The Biggest Loser, the 18th season of the show.
—EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Anna Faris and Regina Hall are running to the Scary Movie reboot that is hitting theaters next year.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reboot
Cite this Entry
“Reboot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reboot. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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