rebound

1 of 2

verb

re·​bound ˈrē-ˌbau̇nd  ri-ˈbau̇nd 

rebounded; rebounding; rebounds

intransitive verb

1

a

: to spring back on or as if on collision or impact with another body

b

: to recover from setback or frustration

2

: reecho

3

: to gain possession of a rebound in basketball

transitive verb

: to cause to rebound

rebounder

ˈrē-ˌbau̇n-dər 

ri-ˈbau̇n-

noun

rebound

2 of 2

noun

re·​bound ˈrē-ˌbau̇nd  ri-ˈbau̇nd 

1

a

: the action of rebounding : recoil

b

: an upward leap or movement : recovery

a sharp rebound in prices

2

a

: a basketball or hockey puck that rebounds

b

: the act or an instance of gaining possession of a basketball rebound

leads the league in rebounds

3

: a reaction to setback, frustration, or crisis

on the rebound from an unhappy love affair

Synonyms of rebound

Verb

• recover
• rally

Examples of rebound in a Sentence

Verb

The baseball rebounded off the wall.

She rebounded quickly from the loss.

She is good at both shooting and rebounding.

He rebounded the ball and quickly passed it to a teammate.

Noun

He led the league in rebounds last year.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The skill that might translate the quickest is his rebounding and off-ball awareness. — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 9 July 2026

Declining sales and exports were the main reasons for the sobering numbers, which were anticipated as Oregon rebounded from record figures earlier in the 2020s, Capital Press reported. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 9 July 2026

Noun

The return of the wolf in California has been met with joy by conservationists, who delight in the improbable population rebound, and with fury by ranchers who bemoan the toll on their cattle. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Forward Isabelle Harrison led Toronto with 24 points and eight rebounds. — Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French rebundir, from re- + Old French bondir to bound — more at bound entry 4

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing rebound

• on the rebound

Rhymes for rebound

• abound
• aground
• around
• astound
• background
• campground
• clothbound
• confound
• earthbound
• eastbound
• expound
• fairground

Kids Definition

rebound

1 of 2 verb

re·​bound ri-ˈbau̇nd 

1

: to spring back on hitting something

2

: to recover from a loss or disappointment

3

: to gain possession of a rebound in basketball

rebound

2 of 2 noun

re·​bound ˈrē-ˌbau̇nd 

ri-ˈbau̇nd

1

: the action of rebounding : a springing back

2

a

: a basketball or hockey puck that rebounds

b

: the act of gaining possession of a basketball rebound

led the league in rebounds

3

: an immediate reaction especially to a loss or disappointment

Medical Definition

rebound

noun

re·​bound ˈrē-ˌbau̇nd  ri-ˈ 

: a spontaneous reaction

especially : a return to a previous state or condition following removal of a stimulus or cessation of treatment

withdrawal of antihypertensive medication may lead to a rebound hypertensive crisis

—Emergency Medicine