reincarnation

noun

re·​in·​car·​na·​tion ˌrē-(ˌ)in-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce reincarnation (audio)
1
a
: the action of reincarnating : the state of being reincarnated
b
: rebirth in new bodies or forms of life
especially : a rebirth of a soul in a new human body
2
: a fresh embodiment

Examples of reincarnation in a Sentence

Many people believe in reincarnation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The film opens just as its predecessor ended, with a handy recap explaining how Ne Zha and his angelic counterpart, Ao Bing, ended up in need of bodily reincarnation. Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025 The People’s Party is the reincarnation of Move Forward, the hugely popular progressive party that won the 2023 general election but was prevented from forming a government over its agenda to make deep structural reforms to how Thailand is run, including to the country’s powerful monarchy. Helen Regan, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025 Once the true reincarnation is identified––usually a boy no older than six or seven––it can take more than a decade to groom him for leadership. Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025 Why couldn’t a child born into a family of gangsters from Newark, New Jersey, be Dante’s reincarnation? Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reincarnation

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of reincarnation was in 1845

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Cite this Entry

“Reincarnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reincarnation. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

reincarnation

noun
re·​in·​car·​na·​tion (ˌ)rē-ˌin-ˌkär-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce reincarnation (audio)
1
: the action of reincarnating : the state of being reincarnated
2
: rebirth in new bodies or forms of life
especially : a rebirth of a soul in a new human body
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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