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

American companies will not have time to retool supply chains, retrain workers, or scale manufacturing. —Solange Charas, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

But retooling that one key word in the chorus shows his ability to personalize a piece of music and bring out its central meaning. —Tom Roland, Billboard, 21 Mar. 2025

After the last two seasons of attempting to build a team designed to win a Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers, the Jets are retooling after having 27 free agents. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025

Irvin has prioritized bringing business and jobs to Aurora, attempting to rebuild and retool. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 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