rebuild

verb

re·​build (ˌ)rē-ˈbild 

rebuilt (ˌ)rē-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

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web

Moscow has rebuilt Cold War-era bases, expanded Arctic military infrastructure, deployed advanced missile systems, and asserted control over polar shipping routes. —Paul McCarthy, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026

The work will also add bike lanes, rebuild sidewalks and make other improvements to those city streets. —Heather McRea, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026

My office analyzed the potential revenue impact and found that even if every eligible homeowner rebuilt to the 110 percent threshold, the total statewide impact would be approximately $5 million, spread across a multitude of counties, cities, school districts, and special districts. —Jeffrey Prang, Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026

Intel’s troubles are a setback for the US government, which is trying to rebuild a vibrant domestic semiconductor industry and has made the American pioneer a cornerstone of that strategy. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for rebuild

• backfilled
• distilled
• fulfilled
• infilled
• instilled
• refilled
• unfilled
• unskilled
• untilled
• billed
• build
• chilled

Kids Definition

rebuild

verb

re·​build (ˈ)rē-ˈbild 

rebuilt -ˈbilt  ; rebuilding

1

: to make important repairs to or changes in

rebuild an old house

2

: to build again

planned to rebuild after the fire