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

At home, Takaichi must rebuild public trust after years of scandal within her party. —Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025

Much depends on whether Arab governments are willing to take ownership of Gaza—to manage it, rebuild it, and ensure Hamas or any similar terrorist group can't rise again. —Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Oct. 2025

The recognition honored the Puerto Rican artists social commitment and philanthropic work that includes his Daddy’s House Foundation that focuses on education, child nutrition, and community rebuilding in Puerto Rico and Latin America. —Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 11 Oct. 2025

Despite the good start, this is a rebuilding team. —Peter Baugh, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025

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