reboot

[ree-boot, ree-boot, ree-boot]

verb (used with object)

1. to restart (a computer) by loading the operating system; boot again.

2. to produce a distinctly new version of (an established media franchise, as a film, TV show, video game, or comic book).

   The studio is rebooting Spider-Man.

3. to make a change in (something) in order to establish a new beginning: Lower interest rates are intended to reboot the economy.

   She’s rebooting her career.

   Lower interest rates are intended to reboot the economy.

verb (used without object)

1. (of a computer) to be restarted.

noun

1. an act or instance of restarting a computer.

2. an act or instance of making a change in order to establish a new beginning.

   a reboot of our product line.

3. a distinctly new version of an established media franchise.

   The show will be a gritty reboot of the classic TV series from the 1970s.

reboot

/ riːˈbuːt /

verb

1. to shut down and restart (a computer system) or (of a computer system) to shut down and restart

reboot

1. A term that comes from computer usage. To reboot a computer is to start it up again after a computer crash. Hence, “reboot” has the connotation of starting a process over again.

Word History and Origins

Origin of reboot¹

First recorded in 1970–75; re- ( def. ) + boot ¹ (in the sense “to start a computer”)

Example Sentences

There’s also been a surge of nostalgia for slasher films and scary movies — and a new crop of entertainment inspired by them, such as the 2025 reboot of “I Know What You Did Last Summer.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A branding reboot in 2023 changed the company name from Opener to Pivotal.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Investors who would like to fully focus on the start of earnings season are dealing with a reboot of trade tensions.

Read more on MarketWatch

The latest Superman reboot is Warner’s launchpad for a new cinematic universe from its DC Comics brand, which is home to other characters including Batman and Wonder Woman.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Introduced in 2017, the Revero line amounts to a rolling reboot of the car formerly known as Karma, incorporating critical updates and lessons learned over the years, while preserving the eccentric charisma of the original.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• reset