English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
verb

reboot

REE-boot
verb
1
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."
2
To start something over from scratch.
"After the merger, the marketing team decided to reboot their whole strategy."
noun
1
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
Common pairings
reboot the computer reboot the franchise reboot the system

Word Forms

rebooted past tense, reboots plural, reboots singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “reboot” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

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.

Related Words

Rhymes for reboot

See all rhymes for reboot →

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial