1. the process of starting and building up a business using only personal finances or operating revenue, without external investment
Usage: business
2. the process of loading and starting up a computer system
Usage: computing
3. the process of improving oneself or one’s situation through one’s own efforts without external help

1. present participle of bootstrap: to start and build up using only one’s own resources

Examples

• The entrepreneur succeeded through bootstrapping, reinvesting all profits back into the company.
• Bootstrapping a startup requires careful financial planning and resourcefulness.
• The computer’s bootstrapping process takes about thirty seconds.
• She believes in bootstrapping her way to success rather than relying on others.
• Many tech companies began by bootstrapping before seeking investors.
• The bootstrapping procedure loads the operating system into memory.
• He’s bootstrapping his small business with savings from his previous job.