bootstrap

UK: /ˈbuːtˌstræp/ US: /ˈbutˌstræp/ ,(bo̅o̅t′strap′)

Inflections of 'bootstrap' (v): (⇒ conjugate)

bootstraps

v 3rd person singular

bootstrapping

v pres p

bootstrapped

v past

bootstrapped

v past p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

boot•strap /ˈbutˌstræp/   n., adj., v., -strapped, -strap•ping. 
n. [countable]

1. Clothing a loop sewn at the top or on each side of a boot to make it easier to pull the boot on.

adj. [before a noun]

2. relying on one's own efforts:
   mounted a bootstrap operation running for office.

v. [~ + object]

3. Computing Computers. boot¹ (def. 12).

Idioms

4. Idioms pull oneself up by one's (own) bootstraps, to become a success through one's own efforts:
   The congressman claimed that he had pulled himself up by his own bootstraps.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

boot•strap  (bo̅o̅t′strap′), n., adj., v., -strapped, -strap•ping. 
n. 

1. Clothing a loop of leather or cloth sewn at the top rear, or sometimes on each side, of a boot to facilitate pulling it on.
2. a means of advancing oneself or accomplishing something:
   He used his business experience as a bootstrap to win voters.
3. Idioms pull oneself up by one's bootstraps, to help oneself without the aid of others;
   use one's resources:
   I admire him for pulling himself up by his own bootstraps.

adj. 

4. relying entirely on one's efforts and resources:
   The business was a bootstrap operation for the first ten years.
5. self-generating or self-sustaining:
   a bootstrap process.

v.t. 

6. Computing boot¹ (def. 26).
7. to help (oneself ) without the aid of others:
   She spent years bootstrapping herself through college.

• boot¹ + strap 1890–95

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

bootstrap / ˈbuːtˌstræp/ noun

1. a leather or fabric loop on the back or side of a boot for pulling it on
2. by one's bootstraps, by one's own bootstraps ⇒ by one's own efforts; unaided
3. 
   Also: boot a technique for loading the first few program instructions into a computer main store to enable the rest of the program to be introduced from an input device
4. (as modifier): a bootstrap loader
5. an offer to purchase a controlling interest in a company, esp with the intention of purchasing the remainder of the equity at a lower price