1. a loop of leather, fabric, or other material sewn at the back or side of a boot to help in pulling it on
2. the process of starting up a computer system
Usage: computing
3. a self-starting or self-sustaining process that proceeds without external help

1. to help oneself without the aid of others
2. to start up a computer system
Usage: computing

Examples

• She grabbed the bootstrap and pulled on her hiking boot.
• The computer failed to bootstrap properly this morning.
• The startup company had to bootstrap its operations with limited funding.
• He decided to bootstrap his way through college without family support.
• The technician will bootstrap the server after the maintenance.
• Many entrepreneurs bootstrap their businesses in the early stages.
• The bootstrap process takes about thirty seconds to complete.
• She bootstrapped her career from entry-level to management.