reconstruct
verb
re·con·struct
ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt 
reconstructed; reconstructing; reconstructs
1
: to construct again: such as
a
: to build or assemble (something) again
reconstruct a damaged chimney
b
medical
: to subject (an organ or part) to surgery to re-form its structure or correct a defect
an athlete with a surgically reconstructed shoulder
2
a
: to re-create or reimagine (something from the past) especially by using information acquired through research
reconstructing a lost civilization
The solution is to reconstruct the vocabularies of vanished ancient languages (so-called protolanguages) by comparing vocabularies of modern languages derived from them.—
Jared Diamond
Jared Diamond
b
: to create an accurate reenactment or understanding of (a past occurrence or event, such as an accident) by applying scientific principles and techniques to physical evidence
McDaniel hired the firm to reconstruct a fiery collision in Limestone County several years ago in which two young women were killed when their car was engulfed in flames.—John Peck
John PeckExamples of reconstruct in a Sentence
After the earthquake, many houses needed to be reconstructed.
Archaeologists were able to reconstruct most of the ancient village from their findings.
They are attempting to reconstruct the events that led to the bridge's collapse.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jourdan’s colleagues tracked down and reconstructed the exact make and model of radio used by Earhart and the Itasca vessel, which was waiting for the pilot off the shores of Howland Island.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
The team was able to reconstruct a complete, fleshy profile of Edmontosaurus annectens.
—Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Oaklawn Avenue Bridge, which was just reconstructed for the I-77 north expansion, may be partially demolished and rebuilt.
—Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025
The Perfect Neighbor reconstructs the events leading up to and immediately following the shooting, largely via police body camera footage.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reconstruct
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Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
The team was able to reconstruct a complete, fleshy profile of Edmontosaurus annectens.
—Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Oaklawn Avenue Bridge, which was just reconstructed for the I-77 north expansion, may be partially demolished and rebuilt.
—Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025
The Perfect Neighbor reconstructs the events leading up to and immediately following the shooting, largely via police body camera footage.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reconstruct
Cite this Entry
“Reconstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reconstruct. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reconstruct
verb
re·con·struct
ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt
Medical Definition
reconstruct
transitive verb
re·con·struct
ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt
: to subject (an organ or part) to surgery so as to re-form the structure of or to correct a defect
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