1. the action or process of building something again after it has been damaged or destroyed
2. the process of forming an impression or model of a past event using available evidence
3. the period after the American Civil War when the Southern states were reorganized and reintegrated into the Union
Usage: historical; capitalized when referring to the specific U.S. historical period

Examples

• The reconstruction of the bridge took two years to complete.
• After the earthquake, the city began reconstruction efforts immediately.
• Police used witness statements for the reconstruction of the crime scene.
• The museum featured a detailed reconstruction of ancient Roman life.
• Reconstruction policies aimed to rebuild the South after the Civil War.
• The facial reconstruction helped identify the victim.
• Economic reconstruction was necessary after the war ended.