repurpose

verb

re·​pur·​pose (ˌ)rē-ˈpər-pəs How to pronounce repurpose (audio)
repurposed; repurposing; repurposes

transitive verb

: to give a new purpose or use to
repurpose the company's website
repurpose the archived material

Examples of repurpose in a Sentence

finding ways to repurpose old computer equipment
Recent Examples on the Web After it’s done burning, repurpose it as a cocktail glass. Saltair Island Orchid Scented Candle, $25 Jasmine, frangipani, and warm musks intertwine in this candle channeling Tahiti, one of the world’s most beloved tropical island destinations. Katie Chang, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 Perfect for adorning your Christmas tree, they can also be repurposed as chandelier chains or wedding decorations, providing beauty and charm beyond the holiday season. Poppy Morgan, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2023 In fact, scientists made so much that no new plutonium is required for the new pits at Savannah River and Los Alamos—the current supply can be repurposed, reshaped, reborn. Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 14 Nov. 2023 Aside from this repurposing, all other sounds were recorded specifically for the song — and by humans, no less. Jordan Runtagh, Peoplemag, 26 Oct. 2023 By sundown, the groups had repurposed their vast networks and organizational might to provide aid, answers and weapons to a traumatized nation. Steve Hendrix, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2023 Creative DIYers on TikTok are incorporating them into table decor, mantles, and patios, with some repurposing the pumpkins as charming vases by cutting off the tops. Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 14 Nov. 2023 After each Minnesota State Fair, some of the crop art pieces find a permanent home in her office (including her 2021 recreation of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On album, which won fourth place at the fair in 2021), while others are given away or repurposed for future projects. Joe Lynch, Billboard, 9 Nov. 2023 These ideas have been repurposed over centuries in multiple political contexts. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2023 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of repurpose was in 1984

Dictionary Entries Near repurpose

Cite this Entry

“Repurpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repurpose. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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