repurpose
repurposed; repurposing
When you repurpose something, you use it again in an entirely new way. You might decide to repurpose rinsed-out yogurt containers to grow flower seedlings on your windowsill.
When you adapt anything to a new function, you repurpose it, from the newspaper you repurpose to line your hamster's cage to the old tablet your dad has repurposed for reading recipes in the kitchen while he cooks. In technology, this verb is often used for information that's used again in updated formats. The word first appeared around 1983, from re-, "anew," and purpose, "to have as an objective or intention."
Definitions of repurpose
-
adapt for a new use or format
-
type of:
-
accommodate, adapt
make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose
-
accommodate, adapt
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘repurpose'.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
Send us feedback
Word Family
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Look up repurpose for the last time
Close your vocabulary gaps with personalized learning that focuses on teaching the words you need to know.
