retool

verb

re·​tool (ˌ)rē-ˈtül 

retooled; retooling; retools

transitive verb

1

: to reequip with tools

2

: reorganize

3

: revise, modify

intransitive verb

: to make especially minor changes or improvements

retool for the future

Examples of retool in a Sentence

The factory has been retooled.

The company is retooling its sales strategies.

The company is retooling for the future.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nestlé retooled entire product lines around health and sustainability. —Paul Polman, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026

There’s an ironic challenge in retooling this genre for a generation famously more straight-edge than its living predecessors, though McElhaney and Kocher — nothing if not self-aware, as seasoned purveyors of internet sketch comedy — are on top of that, too. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026

The Cowboys are retooling their defense, adding defensive coordinator Christian Parker, Gary and safety Jalen Thompson. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026

According to Variety, the project was retooled in 2021 after Marsh stepped down from his Disney role. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for retool

• ampoule
• bascule
• carpool
• cesspool
• ferrule
• footstool
• guayule
• lobule
• misrule
• preschool
• pustule
• whirlpool

Kids Definition

retool

verb

re·​tool (ˈ)rē-ˈtül 

1

: to equip again with new or different tools

retool a factory

2

: to make changes or improvements to

retool that idea