Etymologically
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reboot

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Pronunciation

  • /ɹiːˈbuːt/[1]

Etymology

It is formed from English re- + boot.[2][3] The OED takes the second part as the noun boot in its computing sense, and calls the formation apparent;[2] Etymonline takes it as the verb boot, to start up a computer, which it derives from bootstrap.[3]

Earliest recorded meaning

To boot a computer or operating system again, especially after a power failure or a fault: 1971, in K. Thompson and D. M. Ritchie's Unix Programmer's Manual.[2] Merriam-Webster also dates the verb to 1971,[4] while Etymonline dates it to 1981.[3]

Semantic evolution

The noun, an act of rebooting a computer, followed in 1980.[2] From 1989 the verb was used more widely, for starting a process afresh or giving it new vigour,[2] and since 1998 the noun was used for restarting or reviving something, especially for a new version of a series of films or a television programme.[2][5]

Timeline

  • 1971 – verb, to boot a computer again.[2][4]
  • 1980 – noun, an act of rebooting a computer.[2]
  • 1989 – verb, to restart something, or give it new vigour.[2]
  • 1998 – noun, a revival, especially a new version of a film series or television programme.[2]

Meanings

Verb

  1. To shut down and restart a computer or program, or of a computer, to be restarted: Save your work before you reboot the laptop.[5][4][2]
  2. (informal) To make a new version of something, or to start it again with fresh energy.[5][2]

Noun

  1. An instance of shutting down and restarting a computer system.[5][2]
  2. (informal) A new version of something, especially of a film series or television programme.[5][2]

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Oxford English Dictionary Online (accessed March 2026), Oxford: Oxford University Press
  3. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  4. ^ a b c Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  5. ^ a b c d e Collins English Dictionary (2023), Glasgow: HarperCollins