Meaning of the word bootstrap in English

What does bootstrap mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

bootstrap

US /ˈbuːt.stræp/
UK /ˈbuːt.stræp/
"bootstrap" picture

Noun

1.

a loop at the back of a boot, used to pull it on

Example:
He grabbed the bootstrap to pull on his cowboy boot.
The old boots had worn-out bootstraps.
2.

a technique for starting a computer or system by loading a small program that then loads a larger one

Example:
The operating system uses a bootstrap loader to start up.
The server performs a bootstrap process when it powers on.

Verb

to start or develop (something) with no outside help or with limited resources

Example:
The startup managed to bootstrap its operations with minimal funding.
They had to bootstrap the entire project from scratch.