regenerate

1 of 3

adjective

re·​gen·​er·​ate ri-ˈje-nə-rət How to pronounce regenerate (audio)
-ˈjen-rət
1
: formed or created again
2
: spiritually reborn or converted
3
: restored to a better, higher, or more worthy state
regenerately adverb
regenerateness noun

regenerate

2 of 3

verb

re·​gen·​er·​ate ri-ˈje-nə-ˌrāt How to pronounce regenerate (audio)
regenerated; regenerating; regenerates

intransitive verb

1
: to become formed again
2
: to become regenerate : reform
3
: to undergo regeneration

transitive verb

1
a
: to subject to spiritual regeneration
b
: to change radically and for the better
2
a
: to generate or produce anew
especially : to replace (a body part) by a new growth of tissue
b
: to produce again chemically sometimes in a physically changed form
3
: to restore to original strength or properties
regenerable adjective

regenerate

3 of 3

noun

re·​gen·​er·​ate ri-ˈje-nə-rət How to pronounce regenerate (audio)
-ˈjen-rət
: one that is regenerated: such as
a
: an individual who is spiritually reborn
b(1)
: an organism that has undergone regeneration
(2)
: a regenerated body part

Examples of regenerate in a Sentence

Verb The lizard's tail can regenerate. The lizard is able to regenerate its tail. The tissue cells can regenerate themselves.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
This depends, of course, on whether Ukraine is resourced to mount an active defense and regenerate its own combat power. Dara Massicot, Foreign Affairs, 8 Mar. 2024 Swimming through your darkness never felt so regenerating. USA TODAY, 29 Feb. 2024 Alongside the robot, several other experiments traveled to the ISS, including a 3D printer that creates small metal parts, an additional robotic arm and experiments to manufacture artificial retinas and regenerate cartilage tissue in space. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024 The film is the most comprehensive feature to date on the subject and is hoping to stir up a movement around regenerating the food system. Errol Schweizer, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The Nigerian shea butter is designed to protect and regenerate the skin, and all of its ingredients, including vitamins A and E, are sourced ethically from African cooperatives and artisans. Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 2 Feb. 2024 Not only that, taking time to care for your body helps activate your parasympathetic immune system, which helps relax your body, regenerating your energy. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 1 Feb. 2024 Old networks were transformed and new ones sprang up, filling every screen with constantly regenerating stories of every size, shape and hue. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2024 To regenerate offensive capacity and defend itself against Russian attacks, Ukraine will need approximately 1,800 replacement artillery barrels per year. Jack Watling, Foreign Affairs, 3 Jan. 2024
Noun
The entire left eye and optic nerve were transplanted, and stem cells from the donor’s bone marrow were transplanted along with them in the hopes of helping the optic nerve regenerate. Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 9 Nov. 2023 Movements to advocate for nature’s right to exist, thrive, and regenerate could have a myriad of positive impacts to slow biodiversity loss across the world. Midori Paxton, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2023 Peripheral nerves like the ones in your hand regenerate well. Amy Barth, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2012 Powerful peptides, retinyl palmitate, hyaluronic acid and a vitamin C antioxidant complex regenerate skin with less irritation. Danusia Wnek, Good Housekeeping, 16 Sep. 2022 To really reenergize and to lead with high positive energy, leaders must recognize and value the regenerate state. Andrew Deutscher, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 Overnight Detox Oil by Caudalie: Simply apply onto the face at bedtime to help stressed skin regenerate overnight thanks to the omega 6 and vitamin E. Felicity Carter, Forbes, 6 May 2021 Medical experts say adults require between seven and nine hours of sleep a night, during which the body repairs, regenerates, and recovers. oregonlive, 9 Apr. 2020 At Shinji’s pleading, the EVA powers back on and physically transforms; its arm regenerates, but the limb now looks human, like Shinji’s, and the EVA roars, runs on all fours like a beast, and rabidly tears its enemy apart. Maya Phillips, The New Yorker, 21 June 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'regenerate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English regenerat, from Latin regeneratus, past participle of regenerare to regenerate, from re- + generare to beget — more at generate

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1551, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of regenerate was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near regenerate

Cite this Entry

“Regenerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regenerate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

regenerate

1 of 2 adjective
re·​gen·​er·​ate ri-ˈjen-(ə-)rət How to pronounce regenerate (audio)
: spiritually reborn or renewed

regenerate

2 of 2 verb
re·​gen·​er·​ate ri-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt How to pronounce regenerate (audio)
1
: to cause to be reborn spiritually
2
: to reform completely in ways of thinking and behaving
3
: to generate or produce again
especially : to replace (a lost or damaged body part) by a new growth of tissue
4
: to give new life to : revive
land regenerated by rotation of crops

Medical Definition

regenerate

verb
re·​gen·​er·​ate ri-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt How to pronounce regenerate (audio)
regenerated; regenerating

intransitive verb

1
: to become formed again
2
: to undergo regeneration
the human bladder and liver can regenerate when injured

transitive verb

1
: to generate or produce anew
especially : to replace (a body part) by a new growth of tissue
2
: to produce again chemically sometimes in a physically changed form
regenerable adjective

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