re·boot
(ˌ)rē-ˈbüt 
rebooted; rebooting; reboots
1
a
transitive + intransitive
: to shut down and restart (a computer or program)
… the annoyance of having to reboot the computer to switch operating systems …—
Robert Weston
Robert WestonIf anything ever happens to the original drive, you can reboot using the cloned drive and be up and running in minutes.—Dan Frakes
Dan Frakes
b
intransitive
: to start up again after closing or shutting down : to boot up again
waiting for a computer/program to reboot
2
a
transitive
: to start (something) anew : to refresh (something) by making a new start or creating a new version
reboot an old TV series
… decided to reboot the idea as a tribute concert.—Matt Wake
Matt WakeIt's probably not an overstatement to say Sandberg is embarking on the most ambitious mission to reboot feminism and reframe discussions of gender since the launch of Ms. magazine in 1971.—Belinda Luscombe
Belinda Luscombe
b
intransitive
: to start anew : to make a fresh start
The interior designer's heart was telling her to reboot and downsize …—Susan Heeger
Susan Heeger
plural reboots
1
: the act or an instance of shutting down and restarting something (such as a computer or program)
In a few cases, errors cause a headlong exit to DOS or the software ceases to operate, requiring a reboot.—George F. Hepner
George F. Hepner2
: the act or an instance of starting (something) anew or making a fresh start
In a massive reboot last fall, all 200 rooms were done up in geometric rugs and curvy leather headboards.—Jen Murphy
Jen MurphyExamples of reboot in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
This reboots the unit and resets it to the current conditions, which results in a better picture.
—Chad Morgenthaler, Outdoor Life, 13 May 2026
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 May 2026
Such is the coming season’s narrative as the reboot unfurls under new coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan.
—Greg Cote
may 20, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for reboot
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Verb
Directed by Schoenbrun from their own script, the film follows what happens when the infamous Camp Miasma slasher franchise is set to be rebooted again.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
This reboots the unit and resets it to the current conditions, which results in a better picture.
—Chad Morgenthaler, Outdoor Life, 13 May 2026
Noun
Adelstein and Clements are also executive producers on ABC’s Shifting Gears, and Adelstein executive produces Hulu’s upcoming Prison Break reboot.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 May 2026
Such is the coming season’s narrative as the reboot unfurls under new coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan.
—Greg Cote
may 20, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for reboot
Cite this Entry
“Reboot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reboot. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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