verb Uncommon

reboot

REE-boot

Reboot (verb) means to restart a computer, forcing the operating system to load again, often to fix a problem. Example: “I had to reboot my laptop after it froze.”

verb

To restart a computer, forcing the operating system to load again, often to fix a problem.

"I had to reboot my laptop after it froze."

"Try rebooting the router if the Wi-Fi drops out."

To start something over from scratch.

"After the merger, the marketing team decided to reboot their whole strategy."

noun

A version of a film, show, or franchise that restarts the story, often ignoring earlier installments.

"The studio announced a reboot of the superhero franchise for next year."

How to use reboot

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTurning something off and on again to fix it, or starting a story/plan over fresh.

Common mistake

A "reboot" of a franchise restarts continuity; a "sequel" continues the same story.

Easily confused with

restart →

Common pairings

reboot the computer reboot the franchise reboot the system

Word forms

rebooted past tense, reboots plural, reboots singular

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Can you complete this real example?

I had to _____ my laptop after it froze.

Etymology

From re- ("again") plus boot, the computing term for starting up a machine.

Synonyms

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relaunch reset refresh remake reimagining revamp rebegin recommence reinitiate restart

Related words

end review update repair transformation upgrade resume transform

Rhymes for reboot

oot foot boot root moot loot coot hoot toot soot doot zoot

See all rhymes for reboot →

Frequently asked questions

What does “reboot” mean?

The word “reboot” means to restart a computer, forcing the operating system to load again, often to fix a problem. In plain terms, turning something off and on again to fix it, or starting a story/plan over fresh.

How do you pronounce “reboot”?

“Reboot” is pronounced REE-boot (/ˈɹiːbuːt/ in IPA).

How do you use “reboot” in a sentence?

Here is “reboot” used in a sentence: “I had to reboot my laptop after it froze.”

What is another word for “reboot”?

Words with a similar meaning to “reboot” include rebegin, recommence, reinitiate and restart.

What part of speech is “reboot”?

Depending on how it is used, “reboot” can be a verb and a noun.

Is “reboot” a common word?

“Reboot” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “reboot” have?

“Reboot” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to restart a computer, forcing the operating system to load again, often to fix a problem.

What is the difference between reboot and restart?

Reboot and restart both describe forcing a computer's operating system to load again to fix a problem, and the terms are largely interchangeable in everyday tech use. Reboot specifically emphasizes the operating system reloading, while restart can apply more broadly to software or devices in general.

What does it mean when a movie is called a reboot?

A reboot in film or television is a version of a franchise that restarts the story, often ignoring earlier installments and their continuity. This differs from a sequel, which continues the existing storyline rather than beginning it again.

Can reboot be used outside of computers and movies?

Yes, reboot is also used figuratively to mean starting something over from scratch, such as "rebooting a career" or "rebooting a relationship." This extends the computing sense of restarting to any situation needing a fresh start.

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