boot·strap
ˈbüt-ˌstrap 
1
: a looped strap sewed at the side or the rear top of a boot to help in pulling it on
2
bootstraps plural
: unaided efforts
—often used in the phrase by one's own bootstraps
1
: designed to function independently of outside direction : capable of using one internal function or process to control another
a bootstrap operation to load a computer
2
: carried out with minimum resources or advantages
bootstrap efforts
bootstrapped; bootstrapping
: to promote or develop by initiative and effort with little or no assistance
bootstrapped herself to the top
… turns out to be pretty talented at identifying and bootstrapping promising creative endeavors.—
Harry McCracken
Harry McCracken
bootstrapper
noun
Examples of bootstrap in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
This bootstrap approach has given them something increasingly rare in fashion: genuine independence and creative/strategic freedom.
—Angela Lei, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Gabriella Ybarra, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Mar. 2023
Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Photos: Top: NASA; Bottom: Made In Space Metzger expects that such technology could kick off a lunar industry that slowly bootstraps its way up in sophistication.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 May 2014
See All Example Sentences for bootstrap
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Noun
Here's my 4-step bootstrap method: My client [impressive result] in [timeframe].
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
This bootstrap approach has given them something increasingly rare in fashion: genuine independence and creative/strategic freedom.
—Angela Lei, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
The bootstrap origin story of the man who allegedly invented the cult-favorite snack Flamin’ Hot Cheetos is being told in a new feature film directed by actress and Corpus Christi native Eva Longoria.
—Gabriella Ybarra, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Mar. 2023
Verb
Women are then forced to bootstrap and that slows down the speed of growth and their potential as a business.
—Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Photos: Top: NASA; Bottom: Made In Space Metzger expects that such technology could kick off a lunar industry that slowly bootstraps its way up in sophistication.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 May 2014
See All Example Sentences for bootstrap
Cite this Entry
“Bootstrap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bootstrap. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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