What does rebooted mean?
Rebooted is the past tense and past participle of reboot, meaning to restart a computer or electronic device, usually by turning it off and then on again. The word can also describe the result of this action, as in “a rebooted server,” or be used figuratively when a process, program, or organization is started again after becoming stuck, failing, or undergoing a major change. In computing, rebooting can clear temporary problems or apply certain system changes, although it does not repair every underlying fault. The expression is common in technical, workplace, and everyday digital contexts. Because reboot is built from the prefix re-, meaning “again,” and boot, meaning to start or load a computer, it accurately suggests giving a device a new beginning. Its figurative use carries the implication of resetting progress and attempting a fresh start.
To restart a computer or other electronic device, especially by turning it off and on again; to restart a system or process after it has stopped or failed.
"The administrator rebooted the database server after the maintenance update."
The literal technical sense is standard in British and American English. Figurative uses are common in discussions of software, organizations, and procedures.
Having been restarted, especially a computer, device, or system.
"The rebooted equipment came back online within minutes."
This participial use is especially common in technical and news reporting.
A reboot is the digital equivalent of turning a light switch off and on again: a simple reset that can solve a surprisingly large number of problems.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rebooted come from?
The word combines the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with boot, a term for starting or loading a computer system. The verb reboot developed in computing from the established sense of booting a system and adding the idea of doing so again. Its figurative extension to restarting procedures, programs, and organizations is now common in modern English.
Related word forms
How rebooted is actually used
In its literal computing sense, the word is standard in British and American English. Figurative uses such as rebooting an organization or process are common in technical and business contexts and imply beginning again with a fresh start rather than making a minor adjustment.
Easily confused with rebooted
Restart generally means beginning something again, while reboot specifically refers to restarting a computer or electronic device, often by cycling its power.
Remedy means to correct a problem or improve a situation, whereas reboot usually means to start a device or system again.