bootstrap

1 of 3

noun

boot·​strap ˈbüt-ˌstrap How to pronounce bootstrap (audio)
1
: a looped strap sewed at the side or the rear top of a boot to help in pulling it on
2
bootstraps plural : unaided efforts
often used in the phrase by one's own bootstraps

bootstrap

2 of 3

adjective

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

bootstrap

3 of 3

verb

bootstrapped; bootstrapping

transitive verb

: to promote or develop by initiative and effort with little or no assistance
bootstrapped herself to the top
… turns out to be pretty talented at identifying and bootstrapping promising creative endeavors.Harry McCracken
bootstrapper noun

Examples of bootstrap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
For 32 minutes of clock, Mullen fastened its bootstraps in a blue-collar defensive effort, climbing to the top of 5A and knocking off Air Academy 56-42 on Saturday. Luca Evans, The Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2025 Here's my 4-step bootstrap method: My client [impressive result] in [timeframe]. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
The bootstrap origin story of the man who allegedly invented the cult-favorite snack Flamin’ Hot Cheetos is being told in a new feature film directed by actress and Corpus Christi native Eva Longoria. Gabriella Ybarra, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Mar. 2023
Verb
Low-Cost Bootstrapping Strategies The decision to bootstrap your SaaS business versus seeking venture capital is a significant one. John Hall, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025 Women are then forced to bootstrap and that slows down the speed of growth and their potential as a business. Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bootstrap

Word History

Etymology

Noun

boot entry 3 + strap entry 1

Adjective

from attributive use of bootstrap entry 1

Verb

derivative of bootstrap entry 1 or bootstrap entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bootstrap was in 1875

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Cite this Entry

“Bootstrap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bootstrap. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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