reconstruct

verb

re·​con·​struct ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt How to pronounce reconstruct (audio)
reconstructed; reconstructing; reconstructs

transitive verb

1
: to construct again: such as
a
: to build or assemble (something) again
reconstruct a damaged chimney
b
medical : to subject (an organ or part) to surgery to re-form its structure or correct a defect
an athlete with a surgically reconstructed shoulder
2
a
: to re-create or reimagine (something from the past) especially by using information acquired through research
reconstructing a lost civilization
The solution is to reconstruct the vocabularies of vanished ancient languages (so-called protolanguages) by comparing vocabularies of modern languages derived from them.Jared Diamond
b
: to create an accurate reenactment or understanding of (a past occurrence or event, such as an accident) by applying scientific principles and techniques to physical evidence
McDaniel hired the firm to reconstruct a fiery collision in Limestone County several years ago in which two young women were killed when their car was engulfed in flames.John Peck
reconstructible adjective
reconstructive adjective
reconstructor noun

Examples of reconstruct in a Sentence

After the earthquake, many houses needed to be reconstructed. Archaeologists were able to reconstruct most of the ancient village from their findings. They are attempting to reconstruct the events that led to the bridge's collapse.
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.
Temporal data management allows businesses to track historical changes, reconstruct past states and maintain regulatory records. Mohan Kumar, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 Archaeologists began excavating and reconstructing the palace complex in the mid-1970s, including the original stone embankments, water conduit and drainage channel. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025 The anecdote convinces me that the key Tatlin work in this show is a podium, built in 1927, for the tenth anniversary of the October Revolution, and reconstructed from old photographs. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 Tang Dynasty buildings where the heads were adorned are also rarely found as they were commonly reconstructed and replaced over time. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reconstruct

Word History

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reconstruct was in 1762

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reconstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reconstruct. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

reconstruct

verb
re·​con·​struct ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt How to pronounce reconstruct (audio)
: to construct again : rebuild, remodel

Medical Definition

reconstruct

transitive verb
re·​con·​struct ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt How to pronounce reconstruct (audio)
: to subject (an organ or part) to surgery so as to re-form the structure of or to correct a defect

More from Merriam-Webster on reconstruct

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!