ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reboot

v. · n.
US //ɹiˈbut// UK //ɹɪbˈuːt// re·boot
  1. 1 to restart a computer (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    to turn a computer off and on again to fix a problem or update software.

    to execute a computer's boot process again, causing the operating system to reload, often to resolve a system failure.

    Example

    If the screen freezes, you might need to reboot your laptop.

    Example

    The system administrator advised all employees to reboot their workstations following the critical security patch installation.

    Usage

    Can be used as both a transitive and intransitive verb.

  2. 2 to start something fresh (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to start a project, career, or plan again from the beginning.

    to initiate a fresh start for a process, career, or organisation, often after a period of failure or stagnation.

    Example

    The company is trying to reboot its image with a new logo and better service.

    Example

    After several years of declining sales, the fashion house attempted to reboot the brand by hiring a younger creative director.

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 a new version of a series (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    a new version of a film, book, or game series that starts the story over.

    a new version of an established media franchise that discards or ignores previous continuity to start the narrative fresh.

    Example

    The latest Batman reboot focuses on his early years as a detective.

    Example

    Critics argued that the cinematic reboot lacked the charm of the original trilogy, despite its impressive special effects.

  2. 4 the act of restarting (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    the act of starting a computer or a system again.

    an instance of restarting a computer system or a process.

    Example

    A quick reboot should fix the connection issues you are having.

    Example

    The server requires a scheduled reboot every Sunday night to maintain optimal performance levels of performance.

Origin

From re- + boot.

© 2026 English Reference