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

Cousins remodeled and retooled to upgrade its food and decor. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2026

Ford is retooling that plant to start making an all-electric midsize pickup called Fathom on its new UEV platform there early next year to be followed by a family of EVs. — Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Campuses are defending themselves against AI as an interloper while concurrently retooling themselves for the AI future. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026

The decision to retool rather than rebuild led to a flurry of offseason moves from GM Chris Drury. — Max Bultman, New York Times, 15 Sep. 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