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
Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
It was rebooted in 2021 and ran for three seasons on Paramount+ before getting canceled in 2023.
—Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Sep. 2025
Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025
Jeff Ingold and Liza Katzer also will EP the reboot on behalf of Lawrence’s production company, Doozer.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reboot
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Verb
Because of their first 0-2 start since 2014 being ladled over the alarming 40-22 loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, though, this didn’t feel like a win that rebooted all the good mojo.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
It was rebooted in 2021 and ran for three seasons on Paramount+ before getting canceled in 2023.
—Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Sep. 2025
Noun
The first slasher reboot launched to $12 million in 2024 and ultimately earned $48 million globally.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025
Jeff Ingold and Liza Katzer also will EP the reboot on behalf of Lawrence’s production company, Doozer.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 26 Sep. 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 30 Sep. 2025.
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