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
reboot an old TV series
… decided to reboot the idea as a tribute concert.—Matt Wake
Matt WakeIt'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 Luscombe
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
Usa Today, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
To Kaufman’s surprise, Weir spent several very focused days in the studio, singing, adding new guitar parts, and rebooting the song.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026
Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
The iconic show also birthed a reboot of the same name and has a spinoff in the works.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reboot
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Verb
Pisces season reboots your energy into a fresh form.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
To Kaufman’s surprise, Weir spent several very focused days in the studio, singing, adding new guitar parts, and rebooting the song.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
That nostalgic magic won’t be lost in the upcoming season, which Nix said is more of a continuation rather than a reboot.
—Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
The iconic show also birthed a reboot of the same name and has a spinoff in the works.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reboot
Cite this Entry
“Reboot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reboot. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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