rebuild

verb re·build \ (ˌ)rē-ˈbild \

Definition of rebuild

rebuilt play \-ˈbilt\; rebuilding

transitive verb

1 a :to make extensive repairs to :reconstruct

rebuild a war-torn city

b :to restore to a previous state

rebuild inventories

2 :to make extensive changes in :remodel

rebuild society

intransitive verb

:to build again

planned to rebuild after the fire

See rebuild defined for English-language learners

See rebuild defined for kids

Examples of rebuild in a Sentence

He rebuilt his house after it was destroyed by a fire.
They tried to rebuild after the earthquake.
The new owner plans to rebuild the franchise.
The team is rebuilding after losing most of its top players.

Recent Examples of rebuild from the Web

The president says existing disaster balances of more than $3 billion are sufficient for the immediate emergency but promised his administration will send lawmakers a request for far more to help Texas rebuild from the record storm.

— andrew taylor, The Seattle Times, "Trump promises federal aid to storm-ravaged Texas," 29 Aug. 2017
Calametti also said that ALDOT will continue exploring federal assistance, such as applying for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grants.

— john sharp, AL.com, "Few answers exist on how to pay for I-10 Bridge project as Alabama turns to the private sector," 28 Aug. 2017
That work is the responsibility of North Tarrant Express Mobility Partners, a group of companies hired by the Texas Department of Transportation to rebuild the freeway.

— gordon dickson, star-telegram, "Tired of fighting road construction downtown? Here’s how long it’s going to last," 28 Aug. 2017
The United States has also helped the Turkish military rebuild after its recent operations in northern Syria.

— james kitfield, The Atlantic, "How James Mattis Tried to Explain Trump to the World," 26 Aug. 2017
Neuqua Valley: The Wildcats are rebuilding after a stirring run to the sectional finals.

— matt le cren, Naperville Sun, "Naperville North soccer defender Mitch Konrad also is hooked on fishing," 22 Aug. 2017
Some developers, though, are repurposing gas stations—usually older versions that offer a bit more charm—as a cheaper alternative to the knock-down-and-rebuild model.

— neal broverman, Los Angeles Magazine, "Developers Have Uncovered a Brilliant Use for LA’s Old Gas Stations," 16 Aug. 2017
San Diego, which continues to rebuild its once robust cruise business, has been named one of the top ports in the U.S. and Canada.

— lori weisberg, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Is San Diego cruise business making a comeback?," 10 Aug. 2017
When Hurricanes Charley and Francis struck Florida in 2004, Mainster established an office in DeSoto County to help farmworkers rebuild and negotiated with FEMA to buy trailers to serve as mobile homes for the displaced.

— howard cohen, miamiherald, "Steven Mainster, a lifelong advocate for migrant farmworkers, dies at 76," 22 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rebuild.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of rebuild

1537

Synonym Discussion of rebuild

mend, repair, patch, rebuild mean to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective. mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured.

- mended the torn dress

repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation.

- repaired the back steps

patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.

- patch worn jeans

rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing.

- a rebuilt automobile engine

REBUILD Defined for English Language Learners

rebuild

verb

Definition of rebuild for English Language Learners

: to build (something) again after it has been damaged or destroyed
: to make important improvements or changes in (something)

REBUILD Defined for Kids

rebuild

verb re·build \ ˌrē-ˈbild \

Definition of rebuild for Students

rebuilt \-ˈbilt\; rebuilding

1 :to make important repairs to or changes in

I'm rebuilding an old house.

2 :to construct again

Learn More about rebuild

See words that rhyme with rebuild Spanish Central: Translation of rebuild Nglish: Translation of rebuild for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of rebuild for Arabic speakers

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rebuild

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rebuild

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