reconstruct
verb
re·con·struct
ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt 
reconstructed; reconstructing; reconstructs
1
: to construct again: such as
a
: to build or assemble (something) again
reconstruct a damaged chimney
b
medical
: to subject (an organ or part) to surgery to re-form its structure or correct a defect
an athlete with a surgically reconstructed shoulder
2
a
: to re-create or reimagine (something from the past) especially by using information acquired through research
reconstructing a lost civilization
The solution is to reconstruct the vocabularies of vanished ancient languages (so-called protolanguages) by comparing vocabularies of modern languages derived from them.—
Jared Diamond
Jared Diamond
b
: to create an accurate reenactment or understanding of (a past occurrence or event, such as an accident) by applying scientific principles and techniques to physical evidence
McDaniel hired the firm to reconstruct a fiery collision in Limestone County several years ago in which two young women were killed when their car was engulfed in flames.—John Peck
John PeckExamples 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 on the Web
Artifacts dating to the Paleolithic era fill the Domenico Ridola Archeological Museum, while the Museum-Workshop of the Peasant Culture reconstructs a cave house, public wine cellar, and blacksmith, cobbler and cabinetmaker studios.
—Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 13 May 2026
On May 11, Kerrie's sister, Heidi Gustavson, announced that the mom of three finally underwent surgery to reconstruct a piece of her skull with a custom ceramic piece, given that the original part of her skull could not be reattached.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Has the reflecting pool been reconstructed before?
—Mike Stunson, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Furthermore, the work aids nuclear forensics by establishing a mineral fingerprint to reconstruct the specific temperatures and pressures of past or unidentified nuclear events.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for reconstruct
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Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 13 May 2026
On May 11, Kerrie's sister, Heidi Gustavson, announced that the mom of three finally underwent surgery to reconstruct a piece of her skull with a custom ceramic piece, given that the original part of her skull could not be reattached.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Has the reflecting pool been reconstructed before?
—Mike Stunson, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Furthermore, the work aids nuclear forensics by establishing a mineral fingerprint to reconstruct the specific temperatures and pressures of past or unidentified nuclear events.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for reconstruct
Cite this Entry
“Reconstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reconstruct. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reconstruct
verb
re·con·struct
ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt
Medical Definition
reconstruct
transitive verb
re·con·struct
ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt
: to subject (an organ or part) to surgery so as to re-form the structure of or to correct a defect
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