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

But the core disputes were left unresolved, and, in the interim, Iran gained time to rebuild its weapons arsenals and defenses, preparing for a potential wider conflict. —Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 12 May 2026

Shuck joined several residents in the Oak Park neighborhood who have been advocating in City Hall for Bluejacket Pool to be rebuilt in their neighborhood for years, with their most recent efforts coming forward as Overland Park creates its new 10-year parks and recreation plan. —Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2026

After a historically poor effort on defense in 2025, the Cowboys have rebuilt that side of the ball for the 2026 campaign. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026

Jackson said that, along with rebuilding the road, water and sewer work will be done. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 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