bootstrapping

noun

UK /ˈbuːt.stræp.ɪŋ/

US /ˈbuːt.stræp.ɪŋ/

Starting something small with only what you already have, without outside help.

The kids built their treehouse by bootstrapping, using old wood and tools from the garage.

SYNONYMS

self-starting self-reliance going it alone do-it-yourself self-funding

RELATED WORDS

startup founder self-made resourcefulness independence

OTHER MEANINGS

2. In computing, the process of a computer starting itself up and loading its first programs.

The server finished bootstrapping and was ready to accept connections.

3. In statistics, a method of estimating results by repeatedly resampling data.

The researchers used bootstrapping to check how reliable their estimate was.

4. In business, building a company using personal savings and early sales rather than investors' money.

They grew the bakery through bootstrapping instead of taking a bank loan.