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

Boston retooled, picking up Mitchell Robinson; that’s going to help, Paul George. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

Ursa Major says the process allows different motor diameters to move through production simultaneously without retooling, improving manufacturing flexibility. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026

When Disney retooled the series into a theatrical sequel, the studio delayed the revival a year to separate the projects. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 14 July 2026

If the 2026-27 season sees more teams looking to defend deep to deny Fernandes, Stiller could be an interesting alternative, allowing United to retool and increase their passing control from deep. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 9 July 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