rebuild

verb

re·​build (ˌ)rē-ˈbild How to pronounce rebuild (audio)
rebuilt (ˌ)rē-ˈbilt How to pronounce rebuild (audio) ; 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An ideal scenario for the remainder of the year would have the recent choppiness last a bit longer to qualify as a proper scare, skimming the froth off the speculative stuff and resetting expectations in a way that rebuilds investors' capacity to be surprised to the upside. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025 Gaza faces rebuilding challenges as the first phase of the ceasefire remains in place. Brittney Melton, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025 Relman said the goal is that the proactive efforts the group is making will not only protect the planet from a doomsday scenario but could help rebuild some of the trust scientists have lost with the public in recent years. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025 The Corps website highlights the group's involvement in response to flooding and hurricane disasters in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida, as well as rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires this year. Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rebuild

Word History

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rebuild was in 1537

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebuild. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

rebuild

verb
re·​build (ˈ)rē-ˈbild How to pronounce rebuild (audio)
rebuilt -ˈbilt How to pronounce rebuild (audio) ; rebuilding
1
: to make important repairs to or changes in
rebuild an old house
2
: to build again
planned to rebuild after the fire

More from Merriam-Webster on rebuild

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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