BOOTSTRAP

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does bootstrap mean? 

• BOOTSTRAP (noun)
  The noun BOOTSTRAP has 1 sense:

1. a strap that is looped and sewn to the top of a boot for pulling it on

  Familiarity information: BOOTSTRAP used as a noun is very rare.

• BOOTSTRAP (verb)
  The verb BOOTSTRAP has 1 sense:

1. help oneself, often through improvised means

  Familiarity information: BOOTSTRAP used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BOOTSTRAP (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A strap that is looped and sewn to the top of a boot for pulling it on

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("bootstrap" is a kind of...):

strap (an elongated leather strip (or a strip of similar material) for binding things together or holding something in position)

• BOOTSTRAP (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they bootstrap    ... he / she / it bootstraps   
Past simple: bootstrapped   
Past participle: bootstrapped   
-ing form: bootstrapping   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Help oneself, often through improvised means

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Hypernyms (to "bootstrap" is one way to...):

aid; assist; help (give help or assistance; be of service)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s somebody