repair

1 of 4

verb (1)

re·​pair ri-ˈper How to pronounce repair (audio)
repaired; repairing; repairs

transitive verb

1
a
: to restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken : fix
repair a shoe
b
: to restore to a sound or healthy state : renew
repair his strength
2
: to make good : compensate for : remedy
repair a gap in my reading
repairability noun
repairable adjective
repairer noun

repair

2 of 4

noun (1)

1
a
: an instance or result of repairing
b
: the act or process of repairing
c
: the replacement of destroyed cells or tissues by new formations
2
a
: relative condition with respect to soundness or need of repairing
b
: the state of being in good or sound condition

repair

3 of 4

verb (2)

repaired; repairing; repairs

intransitive verb

1
a
: to betake oneself : go
repaired to the judge's chambers
b
: to come together : rally
2
obsolete : return

repair

4 of 4

noun (2)

1
: the act of repairing : resort
2
: a popular gathering place
Choose the Right Synonym for repair

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 repair in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The expansion of the strike Friday focused on the warehouses that send parts to dealerships and other locations for vehicle repairs. Wali Khan, Washington Post, 24 Sep. 2023 Hedison said Augustus acknowledged agencies need more money for repairs and is working on a bond measure. Todd Wallack, ProPublica, 23 Sep. 2023 The distribution centers generally send parts to dealerships to be used for repairs, so the move could quickly cripple dealerships ability to do repairs, which is the most profitable part of their business. Chris Isidore, CNN, 22 Sep. 2023 Insurance troubles after the storm kept people waiting for a check to make repairs, if the cash ever came. Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 19 Sep. 2023 Swing by for bike rentals, bike repairs, and outdoor essentials (like sleeping bags, hammocks, and hiking boots), and then stay for a cold beer or two on the patio. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2023 That’s because a judge issues deadlines for the landlord to act, the repairs are monitored, and the landlord faces fines if the issue is not fixed. Jill Terreri Ramos, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2023 However, the ocean in the area of the breakage stayed ice-bound longer than usual, and the repair vessel was able to reach the area and start the multimillion-dollar repair only on Aug. 25, McHale said. Alena Naiden, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Sep. 2023 The council approved the transfer of $5.8 million from the unassigned fund balance to two capital projects: $5.7 million to the culvert repair project and $130,000 to median improvements on U.S. Highway 45. Margaret Kates | Mkates@al.com, al, 13 Sep. 2023
Verb
Still, Mariano seemed skeptical about some of the claims that local housing authorities need more staff and funding to repair units and fill vacancies. Todd Wallack, ProPublica, 23 Sep. 2023 Good quality sleep reenergizes brain cells, repairs skin and strengthens every major system in the body, including the immune, respiratory, endocrine and central nervous systems. Georgia Day, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2023 Moving out The couple repaired the moldy drywall and replaced windows that had not been properly installed, according to the lawsuit. Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 22 Sep. 2023 The parts in question were used to repair jet engines made by CFM International, a joint venture between GE and the French firm Safran, used in older models of Airbus and Boeing engines. Bypaolo Confino, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2023 The lawsuit claims neighbors had expressed concern Google Maps had led drivers over the bridge, which allegedly has not been repaired since its partial collapse in 2013. Jamiel Lynch, CNN, 21 Sep. 2023 Turmeric, resveratrol, and boswellic acid all possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that will reduce pain and swelling in the joints, repair any damage, and prevent them from becoming damaged and further. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 20 Sep. 2023 The Framework laptop first appeared back in 2021 and offered an easy way to repair and upgrade components because everything is modular. Matthew Humphries, PCMAG, 18 Sep. 2023 Not even two months would pass before Garrett was out and Haden was in as USC’s athletic director, hired to repair the Trojans’ image and support Kiffin through a period unlike any other in USC football history. J. Brady McCollough, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'repair.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French reparer, from Latin reparare, from re- + parare to prepare — more at pare

Verb (2)

Middle English, from Anglo-French repairer to go back, return from Late Latin repatriare to go home again, from Latin re- + patria native country — more at expatriate

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of repair was in the 14th century

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near repair

Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repair. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

repair

1 of 3 verb
re·​pair ri-ˈpa(ə)r How to pronounce repair (audio)
-ˈpe(ə)r
: to make one's way : go
repair to an inner office

repair

2 of 3 verb
1
: to put back in good condition
repair a broken toy
2
: to make up for : remedy
repair an injustice
repairable
-ˈpar-ə-bəl
-ˈper-
adjective
repairer
-ər
noun

repair

3 of 3 noun
1
a
: the act or process of repairing
make repairs
b
: the result of repairing
a tire with three repairs
2
a
: condition with respect to soundness or need of fixing
the car is in poor repair
b
: good condition
a house in repair

Medical Definition

repair

1 of 2 transitive verb
: to restore to a sound or healthy state
a surgical procedure to repair damaged tissue

repair

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: the act or process of repairing
surgical repair of a detached retina
b
: an instance or result of repairing
2
: the replacement of destroyed cells or tissues by new formations

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