verb
Uncommon
restart
rih-STAHT
Restart (verb) means to begin something again after it has stopped. Example: “You may need to restart the computer for the update to take effect.”
verb
1
To begin something again after it has stopped.
"You may need to restart the computer for the update to take effect."
"The match was restarted after the rain delay."
"After the power cut, we had to restart the oven and begin cooking again."
noun
1
The act of starting something again from the beginning or from where it stopped.
"After the crash, a simple restart fixed the problem."
"The game needs a restart whenever the screen freezes like that."
"A fresh restart of the router often solves slow internet problems."
How to use restart
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStarting something again, often a machine, game, or process.
Common pairings
restart the system
a fresh restart
restart negotiations
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Word forms
- Plural
- restarts
- Third person singular
- restarts
- Past tense
- restarted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
You may need to _____ the computer for the update to take effect.
Etymology
From re- ("again") plus start.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “restart” mean?
The word “restart” means to begin something again after it has stopped. In plain terms, starting something again, often a machine, game, or process.
How do you pronounce “restart”?
“Restart” is pronounced rih-STAHT (/ˈɹiːˌstɑɹt/ in IPA).
How do you use “restart” in a sentence?
Here is “restart” used in a sentence: “You may need to restart the computer for the update to take effect.”
What part of speech is “restart”?
Depending on how it is used, “restart” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “restart” a common word?
“Restart” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “restart” have?
“Restart” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to begin something again after it has stopped.
What is the difference between restart and reboot?
Restart is a general term for beginning something again after it has stopped, applicable to devices, processes, or situations, while reboot is a more specific technical term used almost exclusively for restarting a computer or electronic device. Restart can be used more broadly, such as restarting a conversation or a career.
What is the difference between restart and resume?
Restart means beginning something again from the start or from where it stopped, often implying a fresh initialization, while resume means continuing something that was paused without starting over. Restarting a device clears its current state, whereas resuming a task picks up exactly where it left off.
Is restart one word or two?
Restart is written as one word, both as a verb ("to restart the engine") and as a noun ("the restart went smoothly"). Writing it as two words, "re start," is considered incorrect in standard English.
