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

Verb (1) it will take some time to repair your energy after a bout with the flu having trouble finding someone who repairs audio components Noun (1) the dining table is in good repair, so you won't need to refinish it
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.
Noun
The Virginia resident perused the stores in Downtown Annapolis Friday while waiting for car repairs. Amanda Yeager, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024 Remedy for Recalled Vehicles The automaker has assured owners that the necessary repairs will be carried out at no cost. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
Verb
New stonework has been carefully pieced together to repair and fill the wounds that had left the cathedral’s insides exposed to the elements. Thomas Adamson and John Leicester, Los Angeles Times, 29 Nov. 2024 The city has the ability to ask contractors to repaint or repair the signage at those locations if residents report issues on the city's service requests website. Eva Wen, Journal Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for repair 

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

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Dictionary Entries Near repair

Cite this Entry

“Repair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repair. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

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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