bootstrap

1 of 3

noun

boot·​strap ˈbüt-ˌstrap 

1

: a looped strap sewed at the side or the rear top of a boot to help in pulling it on

2

bootstraps plural : unaided efforts

—often used in the phrase by one's own bootstraps

bootstrap

2 of 3

adjective

1

: designed to function independently of outside direction : capable of using one internal function or process to control another

a bootstrap operation to load a computer

2

: carried out with minimum resources or advantages

bootstrap efforts

bootstrap

3 of 3

verb

bootstrapped; bootstrapping

transitive verb

: to promote or develop by initiative and effort with little or no assistance

bootstrapped herself to the top

… turns out to be pretty talented at identifying and bootstrapping promising creative endeavors.

—Harry McCracken

bootstrapper noun

Examples of bootstrap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Chew’s group hoped to use general logical requirements such as these to infer specific results, as if lifting themselves up by their own bootstraps. —Quanta Magazine, 23 May 2024

Carter was a decent, honorable man and Reagan was a delusional grandpa who thought everyone should pull themselves up by their bootstraps. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2024

Adjective

The bootstrap origin story of the man who allegedly invented the cult-favorite snack Flamin’ Hot Cheetos is being told in a new feature film directed by actress and Corpus Christi native Eva Longoria. —Gabriella Ybarra, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Mar. 2023

Verb

But this isn't the first time Russia has been forced to bootstrap its own homegrown gaming industry. —Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 29 Mar. 2024

Here are their 5 strategies to bootstrap to billions. —Dileep Rao, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

boot entry 3 + strap entry 1

Adjective

from attributive use of bootstrap entry 1

Verb

derivative of bootstrap entry 1 or bootstrap entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1951, in the meaning defined above