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

This summer is expected to be full of change, and the Nuggets will do their best to retool with the best player in the world on their side, Nikola Jokic. —Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025

With a coach in place, Drury’s attention is now solely on retooling the roster. —Peter Baugh, New York Times, 19 June 2025

Under Corsi’s influence, the company has retooled its global creative model to better unite design, brand-building, and business outcomes. —Seth Matlins, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

Its billionaire owner, Jeff Bezos, has retooled its opinion section to focus on personal liberties and free markets. —Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 16 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