redefine

verb

re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn 

redefined; redefining; redefines

transitive verb

1

: to define (something, such as a concept) again : reformulate

had to redefine their terms

2

a

: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change

b

: transform sense 1c

redefinition

(ˌ)rē-ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• reconsider
• revisit
• review

Examples of redefine in a Sentence

learning that he had been adopted forced him to completely redefine his identity

Recent Examples on the Web

The new model redefines the fundamental chemical reaction known as intercalation, and could pave the way for powerful and faster charging lithium-ion batteries. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2025

The latest heavyweight arrival, Maxx Royal Bodrum, opened summer 2024 and is already redefining what luxury looks like in the region. —Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest are redefining how trends spread. —Chloe Veltman, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025

The moment helped cement the British designer’s reputation for defying convention and redefining femininity through risk. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for redefine

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

Kids Definition

redefine

verb

re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn 

1

: to define (as a concept) again

redefined their terms

2

: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change

redefine our goals