repurpose

verb

re·​pur·​pose (ˌ)rē-ˈpər-pəs How to pronounce repurpose (audio)
repurposed; repurposing; repurposes

transitive verb

: to give a new purpose or use to
repurpose the company's website
repurpose the archived material

Examples of repurpose in a Sentence

finding ways to repurpose old computer equipment
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The original radiator has been repurposed as a bedside table. — Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 17 Oct. 2026 More recently, with the rise of social media, comics have flagged major influencers and brands for repurposing their jokes as social media fodder without credit. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 Thin plastic oil containers were found with the top cut-off and repurposed to hold raw meats. — Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026 But don’t expect farm animals or grain in the large barns—they’ve been repurposed for winemaking and storage. — Julia Sayers Gokhale, Midwest Living, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repurpose

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of repurpose was in 1984

Rhymes for repurpose

See All Rhymes for repurpose

Browse Nearby Words

repurify
repurpose
reputability
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Repurpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repurpose. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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