retool
Americanverb (used with object)
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to replace or rearrange the tools and machinery of (a factory).
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to reorganize or rearrange, usually for the purpose of updating.
to retool the industrial organization.
verb (used without object)
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to replace or rearrange the tools of a factory.
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to replace the stamping machinery of a factory, especially to make a remodeled product.
verb
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to replace, re-equip, or rearrange the tools in (a factory, etc)
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to revise or reorganize
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of retool
Explanation
When you change something by reshaping or altering it, you retool it. A candidate who's doing badly in the polls might try to retool his image before the election. If an elementary school is getting dozens of new students, they may need to retool the classrooms to accommodate everyone. And, when new car models need to incorporate the latest safety features, engineers often have to retool their designs. Another way to use this verb is to mean "equip with new tools." You might, for example, retool your mom's basement workroom as a birthday present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Another strength of the Chinese is that they are able to retool and refit their refineries much quicker to treat different grades of crude.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 22, 2026
To move production to the U.S., an automaker like GM would often need to retool an existing American factory or build a new plant altogether.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 16, 2026
Enduring the longest cold spell of his career, Betts was forced to retool.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 2, 2026
The decision to retool the show was a losing gamble, ostensibly sacrificing hundreds of thousands of dollars and countless fans, who searched for their preferred flavor of drama elsewhere.
From Salon ● Dec. 2, 2025
Should an excess of varnish be put on in error, or should it be necessary to retool part of the book after it has been varnished, the varnish can be removed with spirits of wine.
From Bookbinding, and the Care of Books A handbook for Amateurs, Bookbinders & Librarians by Rooke, Noel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
