repurpose

American  

[ree-pur-puhs] / ˌriˈpɜr pəs /

verb (used with object)

repurposed, repurposing

1. to adapt or utilize (something) for a new purpose.

   The objective is to create affordable housing by repurposing abandoned commercial properties.

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Etymology

Origin of repurpose

First recorded in 1980–85; re- ( def. ) + purpose ( def. )

Explanation

When you repurpose something, you use it again in an entirely new way. You might decide to repurpose rinsed-out yogurt containers to grow flower seedlings on your windowsill. When you adapt anything to a new function, you repurpose it, from the newspaper you repurpose to line your hamster's cage to the old tablet your dad has repurposed for reading recipes in the kitchen while he cooks. In technology, this verb is often used for information that's used again in updated formats. The word first appeared around 1983, from re-, "anew," and purpose, "to have as an objective or intention."

Example Sentences

“They want data that they can repurpose: anything that’s going to have financial information, anything that’s going to have driver’s license information is going to be very valuable to them,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

She wanted to repurpose it as a pendant to symbolize a new beginning.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Intel, Mizuho argued, could repurpose manufacturing capacity previously dedicated to PC chips to server chips, adding to its near-term upside.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

He worries that bad actors — be they individuals, organizations or countries — will repurpose technologies that were designed to help cure diseases or create new materials.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

I dismantled my sleeping nest to repurpose its branches and hewed off additional ones from nearby trees.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

Related Words

• reuse