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

Recently, the streaming giant dramatically retooled its visual look as an application, and many users were quick to voice their initial discontent. —William Jones, Ascend Agency, 7 Feb. 2026

Fox 4 retools staff Johns is the second hire for the station’s meteorology team this year, after Mansfield native Berkeley Taylor joined last month. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2026

Those are just two issues Rams general manager Les Snead will deal with in the coming weeks and months as the franchise retools for the 2026 season. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026

The surging Charlotte Hornets also retooled with a play-in spot within reach. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 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