retool

verb

re·​tool (ˌ)rē-ˈtül How to pronounce retool (audio)
retooled; retooling; retools

transitive verb

1
: to reequip with tools
2
3

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 As a result of the act and shifting demand, Ford, GM and Stellantis are investing billions to retool their sprawling operations to build electric vehicles, which are critical to addressing climate change. Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2023 Under pressure from government officials and changing consumer demand, Ford, GM and Stellantis are investing billions to retool their sprawling operations to build electric vehicles, which are critical to addressing climate change. Jack Ewing, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2023 Under pressure from government officials and changing consumer demand, Ford, G.M. and Stellantis are investing billions to retool their sprawling operations to build electric vehicles, which are critical to addressing climate change. Jack Ewing, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2023 As factories retool to make electric vehicles, some changes seem obvious. Kate Aronoff, The New Republic, 13 Sep. 2023 The Marines retooled the training after several vehicles flipped in the surf as the crews became familiar with the new transport. Erika I. Ritchie, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Aug. 2023 The company earlier said that factory would be retooled to produce electric trucks. Jeanne Whalen, Washington Post, 25 July 2023 But while Buchanan appreciates the serendipitous help from such exposure, his focus as CEO has been fixing the foundation of the company and retooling the $6-billion-a-year retailer to expand its customer base and win market share in a mature industry barely growing at 2% a year. Phil Wahba, Fortune, 1 Sep. 2023 The defense must be retooled during a difficult September, and the road schedule is rugged throughout. Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retool.' 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

1917, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of retool was in 1917

Dictionary Entries Near retool

Cite this Entry

“Retool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retool. Accessed 29 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

retool

verb
re·​tool (ˈ)rē-ˈtül How to pronounce retool (audio)
1
: to equip again with new or different tools
retool a factory
2
: to make changes or improvements to
retool that idea

More from Merriam-Webster on retool

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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