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

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

Instead, it will repurpose some of them to help power microgrids for customers like AI-infrastructure firm Crusoe.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 28, 2026

A Tyson spokeswoman said the company is assessing how it can repurpose the facility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

The Sri Lankan government has also secured a World Bank agreement to repurpose $120 million from an ongoing project for disaster recovery spending.

From Barron's • Dec. 22, 2025

“I just remember the classic Roach Motel slogan that, apparently, the poster is attempting to repurpose for a Latinx audience. Catch you later, Kojo!”

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• reuse