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

When the series was retooled for its ninth season, which focused on a new batch of interns, Faison and John C. McGinley were the only two cast members to remain on the series as regulars. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 10 July 2025

The now 25-year-old is young enough to be a part of the next wave of Islanders hockey, as this team retools under Mathieu Darche. —Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 10 July 2025

Pitino went all-in on the transfer portal, doing away with Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr. and paying top dollar to retool his lineup with top recruits. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 4 July 2025

Later this year, the Louisville Assembly Plant is expected to be temporarily down as the factory is retooled to produce a new vehicle. —Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 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