rebuild

verb

re·​build (ˌ)rē-ˈbild 

rebuilt (ˌ)rē-ˈbilt  ; rebuilding

transitive verb

1

a

: to make extensive repairs to : reconstruct

rebuild a war-torn city

b

: to restore to a previous state

rebuild inventories

2

: to make extensive changes in : remodel

rebuild society

intransitive verb

: to build again

planned to rebuild after the fire

Choose the Right Synonym for rebuild

mend, repair, patch, rebuild mean to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective.

mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured.

mended the torn dress

repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation.

repaired the back steps

patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.

patch worn jeans

rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing.

a rebuilt automobile engine

Examples of rebuild in a Sentence

He rebuilt his house after it was destroyed by a fire.

They tried to rebuild after the earthquake.

The new owner plans to rebuild the franchise.

The team is rebuilding after losing most of its top players.

Recent Examples on the Web

Duggan took a moment to recognize Buttigieg for helping Detroit rebuild its bus system and electric charging system. —Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024

The worst of the flooding and destruction was in North Carolina; in Asheville, and in the rural areas surrounding it, residents struggled to restore utilities and rebuild their homes and businesses, let alone travel to the polls. —The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024

The lands were once owned by the tribe as one of its leaders, Chief Bogus Tom Smith, labored to rebuild his community in the wake of the California Gold Rush and the atrocities wreaked upon California tribes, including a genocidal campaign in the years following U.S. statehood. —Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024

Showing gratitude can help rebuild positivity and remind them of their value. —Dr. Cynthia J. Young, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

rebuild

verb

re·​build (ˈ)rē-ˈbild 

rebuilt -ˈbilt  ; rebuilding

1

: to make important repairs to or changes in

rebuild an old house

2

: to build again

planned to rebuild after the fire