reboot

1 of 2

verb

re·​boot (ˌ)rē-ˈbüt How to pronounce reboot (audio)
rebooted; rebooting; reboots
1
a
transitive + intransitive : to shut down and restart (a computer or program)
… the annoyance of having to reboot the computer to switch operating systems …Robert Weston
If anything ever happens to the original drive, you can reboot using the cloned drive and be up and running in minutes.Dan Frakes
b
intransitive : to start up again after closing or shutting down : to boot up again
waiting for a computer/program to reboot
2
a
transitive : to start (something) anew : to refresh (something) by making a new start or creating a new version
It's probably not an overstatement to say Sandberg is embarking on the most ambitious mission to reboot feminism and reframe discussions of gender since the launch of Ms. magazine in 1971.Belinda Luscombe
reboot an old TV series
b
intransitive : to start anew : to make a fresh start
The interior designer's heart was telling her to reboot and downsize …Susan Heeger

reboot

2 of 2

noun

re·​boot ˈrē-ˌbüt How to pronounce reboot (audio)
plural reboots
1
: the act or an instance of shutting down and restarting something (such as a computer or program)
In a few cases, errors cause a headlong exit to DOS or the software ceases to operate, requiring a reboot.George F. Hepner
2
: the act or an instance of starting (something) anew or making a fresh start
In a massive reboot last fall, all 200 rooms were done up in geometric rugs and curvy leather headboards.Jen Murphy

Examples of reboot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The new team quickly unveiled a bold plan to reboot and unify the DC Universe, starting with Superman. Emily Blackwood, People.com, 10 July 2025 Social media has been abuzz for months, perhaps even years, about what Gunn will do with this next chapter in the DC Universe, rebooting the franchise for the big screen with Marvel-sized dreams for the beloved superheroes. Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Noun
In this reboot, Corenswet stars as a more vibrant, less serious Man of Steel who battles against Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) while working as a Daily Planet reporter alongside Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). Jordan Moreau, Variety, 11 July 2025 Gunn’s new film is more than just a reboot of a familiar property; the writer-director and his fellow DC Studios co-chair and co-CEO Peter Safran have called Superman a reset for a new, cohesive DC Universe. Jack Smart, People.com, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for reboot

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1971, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1980, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reboot was in 1971

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Cite this Entry

“Reboot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reboot. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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