bootstrap

1 of 3

noun

boot·​strap ˈbüt-ˌstrap 

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

Noun

In the finale, the method to her upper-echelon bootstrap-yanking is revealed to be procuring young women to fraternize (and more) with a rotating roster of nefarious dinner-party guests—oh, and seemingly also recording these illicit interactions. —Megan McCluskey, Time, 2 Mar. 2026

Business textbooks and websites are packed with case studies of bootstrap-pulling businessmen and women who have prospered through franchising. —Kevin Williams, CNBC, 30 Nov. 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

Incentives can bootstrap liquidity. —Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Julia Hartz, the CEO of $225 million live event marketplace Eventbrite, ditched a career in Hollywood to bootstrap her own successful venture. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for bootstrap

• bandgap
• bitmap
• blackcap
• blackstrap
• burlap
• claptrap
• entrap
• foolscap
• kidnap
• kneecap
• madcap
• mayhap