Dictionary
1bootstrap
noun boot·strap \ˈbüt-ˌstrap\
Definition of BOOTSTRAP
1
: a looped strap sewed at the side or the rear top of a boot to help in pulling it on
2
plural : unaided efforts —often used in the phrase by one's own bootstraps
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of BOOTSTRAP
1875
Rhymes with BOOTSTRAP
ASCAP, backslap, backwrap, bitmap, blackcap, burlap, Carnap, catnap, cell sap, claptrap, death cap, death trap, dunce cap, dognap, earflap, entrap, enwrap, firetrap, foolscap, gelcap, gift wrap, gun lap, heeltap, hubcap, ice cap, jockstrap, kidnap, kneecap, lagniappe, light trap, livetrap, love tap, madcap, mantrap, mayhap, mishap, mobcap, mousetrap, mud flap, nightcap, on tap, pace lap, pinesap, rattrap, recap, redcap, remap, riprap, road map, root cap, sand trap, shiplap, shrink-wrap, skullcap, skycap, snowcap, spark gap, speed trap, steel-trap, stopgap, toe cap, unsnap, unstrap, unwrap, watch cap, whitecap, wind gap, winesap, wiretap, word wrap
2bootstrap
adjective
Definition of BOOTSTRAP
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>
First Known Use of BOOTSTRAP
1926
3bootstrap
verb
Definition of BOOTSTRAP
transitive verb
: to promote or develop by initiative and effort with little or no assistance <bootstrapped herself to the top>
— boot·strap·per noun
First Known Use of BOOTSTRAP
1951
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: boot topPrevious Word in the Dictionary: boots and saddlesAll Words Near: bootstrap
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up bootstrap? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).