# bootstrap

/ˈbutˌstɹæp/ (US) · /bˈuːtstɹæp/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bootstrap
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a method for starting a computer or a program without using the operating system. It can also mean a way to build something from nothing using the tools you already have.

For teachers: a small program or set of instructions used to initialize a computer system or load an operating system. In a broader sense, it refers to the process of building or improving something using only the resources already available.

## Examples

- The technician used a bootstrap to start the computer when the OS failed.
- The startup used a bootstrap approach to build their first product, relying on the founder's existing skills and a small amount of personal savings.
- In statistics, the bootstrap method involves resampling from the original dataset to estimate the variability of a sample statistic, effectively creating a distribution from a single sample.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.