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
Minnesota’s roster had to be reconstructed with the free agency departures of Smith and Natisha Hiedeman, who agreed to a deal with Seattle.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026
The doc, directed by Simone Manetti and produced by Italy’s Ganesh productions and Domenico Procacci‘s Fandango, reconstructs the still ongoing quest for judicial truth about the kidnapping, torture and murder of Regeni.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 Apr. 2026
Some nights after our son is asleep, my wife and I sit on the couch and reconstruct the day for each other.
—Tim Requarth, Longreads, 9 Apr. 2026
The roadway is being reconstructed, including resurfacing, curb and gutter replacement, and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant upgrades.
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reconstruct
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Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026
The doc, directed by Simone Manetti and produced by Italy’s Ganesh productions and Domenico Procacci‘s Fandango, reconstructs the still ongoing quest for judicial truth about the kidnapping, torture and murder of Regeni.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 Apr. 2026
Some nights after our son is asleep, my wife and I sit on the couch and reconstruct the day for each other.
—Tim Requarth, Longreads, 9 Apr. 2026
The roadway is being reconstructed, including resurfacing, curb and gutter replacement, and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant upgrades.
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 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 Apr. 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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