reconstruct

play

verb re·con·struct \ ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt \

Definition of reconstruct

transitive verb

:to construct again: such as

a :to establish or assemble again

b :to subject (an organ or part) to surgery to re-form its structure or correct a defect

c :to build up mentally :recreate

reconstructing a lost civilization

—

reconstructible

play \-ˈstrək-tə-bəl\ adjective

—

reconstructive

play \-tiv\ adjective

—

reconstructor

play \-tər\ noun

See reconstruct defined for English-language learners

See reconstruct defined for kids

Examples of reconstruct in a Sentence

After the earthquake, many houses needed to be reconstructed.
Archaeologists were able to reconstruct most of the ancient village from their findings.
They are attempting to reconstruct the events that led to the bridge's collapse.

Recent Examples of reconstruct from the Web

His dream would be to see the derelict home reconstructed on the lawn of the White House with the blessing of U.S. President Donald Trump.

— david rising, The Seattle Times, "Rosa Parks’ house may be returned to US from Germany," 25 Aug. 2017
After the current owner hand-excavated the site, the building was reconstructed using the original stones.

— elizabeth finkelstein, Country Living, "This is the Stone Farmhouse We've Been Waiting Our Whole Lives to Buy," 24 Aug. 2017
What if, biomechanical engineer Dale Blass suggested, the modeling software could virtually reconstruct the attack on the Housatonic and reveal insights into the fate of the Hunley?

— evan lubofsky, Smithsonian, "One Scientist May Have Finally Figured Out the Mystery of Why a Civil War Submarine Sank," 23 Aug. 2017
By comparing their new discovery to the bones of other sauropod species, the Argentinian team could reconstruct the group’s evolutionary history.

— ed yong, The Atlantic, "Meet Patagotitan, the Biggest Dinosaur Ever Found," 8 Aug. 2017
When the traffic is realigned, contractors will demolish and reconstruct the west side of the bridge, Leonard said.

— erin edgemon, AL.com, "Major delays expected Saturday as ALDOT shifts traffic on Arkadelphia Road near I-59/20," 13 July 2017
Detectives first have to reconstruct the scene, Steele said, figuring out where and how everyone was standing.

— becky jacobs, Post-Tribune, "Finding where bullet that killed boy, 13, came from 'can be done,' experts say," 12 July 2017
Exactly how Colleyville should reconstruct Glade Road has been a matter of great debate in recent years, even spawning an election at one point.

— nicholas sakelaris, star-telegram, "Colleyville officials urge patience as massive Colleyville Road project unfolds," 3 July 2017
Blum also said the APG Centennial Helmet Car, newly reconstructed and featuring the active APG Soldier of the Year, will ride in the parade.

— erika butler, The Aegis, "Bel Air all set for day full of activities July 4," 30 June 2017

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

First Known Use of reconstruct

1762

RECONSTRUCT Defined for English Language Learners

reconstruct

play

verb

Definition of reconstruct for English Language Learners

: to build (something damaged or destroyed) again
: to find out and describe or show the way an event or series of events happened

RECONSTRUCT Defined for Kids

reconstruct

play

verb re·con·struct \ ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt \

Definition of reconstruct for Students

reconstructed; reconstructing

:to make or form again :rebuild

Medical Dictionary

reconstruct

play

transitive verb re·con·struct \ ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt \

medical Definition of reconstruct

:to subject (an organ or part) to surgery so as to re-form the structure of or to correct a defect

Learn More about reconstruct

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

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up reconstruct? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

reconstruct

Definition of reconstruct

reconstructible

reconstructive

reconstructor

Explore M-W

Examples of reconstruct in a Sentence

Recent Examples of reconstruct from the Web

First Known Use of reconstruct

RECONSTRUCT Defined for English Language Learners

reconstruct

Definition of reconstruct for English Language Learners

RECONSTRUCT Defined for Kids

reconstruct

Definition of reconstruct for Students

Medical Dictionary

reconstruct

medical Definition of reconstruct

Learn More about reconstruct

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'So Long': A Common But Mysterious Goodbye

9 Slang Words With Academic Origins

Trending: 'Bodega' Startup Draws Criticism, Mockery

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Words of the Year: 1066