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 of redefine

• 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

Active micromotor technology could redefine uranium extraction Departing from conventional adsorbents that rely on passive contact, the new system actively navigates through water to locate and capture uranium ions. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026

As women’s basketball continues its rapid rise in stature and popularity, leagues like Unrivaled are helping redefine the business side of the sport. —Alexa Stone, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2026

That led the quarterback to the Miami Hurricanes — and on a path to redefining himself. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026

Your goal isn’t to get anyone fired, but more to help redefine boundaries on intimacy at work. —Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026

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