reconstruct
verb
re·con·struct
ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt 
reconstructed; reconstructing; reconstructs
1
: to construct again: such as
a
: to build or assemble (something) again
reconstruct a damaged chimney
b
medical
: to subject (an organ or part) to surgery to re-form its structure or correct a defect
an athlete with a surgically reconstructed shoulder
2
a
: to re-create or reimagine (something from the past) especially by using information acquired through research
reconstructing a lost civilization
The solution is to reconstruct the vocabularies of vanished ancient languages (so-called protolanguages) by comparing vocabularies of modern languages derived from them.—
Jared Diamond
Jared Diamond
b
: to create an accurate reenactment or understanding of (a past occurrence or event, such as an accident) by applying scientific principles and techniques to physical evidence
McDaniel hired the firm to reconstruct a fiery collision in Limestone County several years ago in which two young women were killed when their car was engulfed in flames.—John Peck
John PeckExamples of reconstruct in a Sentence
After the earthquake, many houses needed to be reconstructed.
Archaeologists were able to reconstruct most of the ancient village from their findings.
They are attempting to reconstruct the events that led to the bridge's collapse.
Recent Examples on the Web
Buildings can be reconstructed.
—Maliha Rahman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
Dunes Park is being reconstructed.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
The trial was delayed for years because of multiple postponements, defense challenges over the use of DNA evidence, and the efforts of prosecutors to reconstruct events involving multiple victims across a five-year timeline.
—Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
But Thomas Casparian, a lawyer who represents mobile home park owners, said that while residents may have a right to return if a park is reconstructed, there is no legal obligation for owners to rebuild—meaning tenancies can effectively end if a park is not restored.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reconstruct
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Maliha Rahman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
Dunes Park is being reconstructed.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
The trial was delayed for years because of multiple postponements, defense challenges over the use of DNA evidence, and the efforts of prosecutors to reconstruct events involving multiple victims across a five-year timeline.
—Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
But Thomas Casparian, a lawyer who represents mobile home park owners, said that while residents may have a right to return if a park is reconstructed, there is no legal obligation for owners to rebuild—meaning tenancies can effectively end if a park is not restored.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reconstruct
Cite this Entry
“Reconstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reconstruct. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reconstruct
verb
re·con·struct
ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt
Medical Definition
reconstruct
transitive verb
re·con·struct
ˌrē-kən-ˈstrəkt
: to subject (an organ or part) to surgery so as to re-form the structure of or to correct a defect
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