reopen

verb

re·​open (ˌ)rē-ˈō-pən 

-ˈō-pᵊm

reopened; reopening; reopens

transitive verb

1

: to open again

2

a

: to take up again : resume

reopen discussion

b

: to resume discussion or consideration of

reopen a contract

3

: to begin again

intransitive verb

: to open again

school reopens in September

Synonyms of reopen

• continue
• restart
• resume

Examples of reopen in a Sentence

The restaurant will reopen in April.

I'm sorry, but the store is closed. We reopen at nine on Monday.

The cut on his knee reopened when he tried to run.

The company announced plans to reopen its Detroit factory.

a procedure to reopen a clogged artery

The district attorney reopened the murder case because new evidence was found.

He wants the team to reopen his contract.

Recent Examples on the Web

The second flood has left behind more than wrecked homes, reopening trauma wounds for many survivors. — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

The restaurant closed for more than a year and reopened with a completely new design and new menu items. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

The interim agreement was intended to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and end the conflict. — Azhar Sukri,terri Cullen,michael Wayland, CNBC, 19 July 2026

Korea may see another turbulent session when markets reopen following a long weekend. — Winnie Hsu, Fortune, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing reopen

• reopen old wounds

Rhymes for reopen

• open
• atropine

Kids Definition

reopen

verb

re·​open (ˈ)rē-ˈō-pən 

-ˈōp-ᵊn

1

: to open again

2

: to take up again : resume

reopen the discussion

Legal Definition

reopen

transitive verb

re·​open ˌrē-ˈō-pən 

1

: to take up again

reopen discussion

2

: to resume the discussion or consideration of (a closed matter)

reopen the contract to negotiate benefits

3

: to try or hear (an action) anew especially for the purpose of hearing new evidence