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

To investors, Niccol has already presented a multi-part strategy that involves retooling the company's marketing strategy, improving staffing in cafes, fixing the chain's mobile app issues and making its locations cozier. —Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 15 June 2025

The sprawling Fairfax plant slowed production in 2024 as GM phased out the Chevy Malibu and prepared to retool the plant for the Bolt, which impacted jobs at Fairfax and other companies that supplied parts and services to GM. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2025

And as Tesla retooled its factories and temporarily stopped production of the Y. —Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025

Farke has to retain the heart and soul of his champions, but retool and upgrade where possible to keep the team in the league. —Beren Cross, New York Times, 7 June 2025

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