re·de·fine
ˌrē-di-ˈfīn 
redefined; redefining; redefines
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
re·def·i·ni·tion
(ˌ)rē-ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən
: an act or instance of redefining
asking for … a redefinition of the objectives of the liberal college—
B. F. Wright
B. F. Wrightsuch terms as liberal call for periodic redefinition
Examples of redefine in a Sentence
Verb
learning that he had been adopted forced him to completely redefine his identity
Recent Examples on the Web
Susan Page, USA Today, 22 June 2026
For a time, BP seemed to be trying to redefine itself faster than most of its peers.
—Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Yet the more important revolution may be occurring much closer to the front, where inexpensive drones are removing personnel, disrupting logistics, degrading air defenses and redefining the relationship between mass, maneuver, and military power.
—Hunter Lacroix, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026
From one of fine jewelry’s most exciting creatives comes a unique bracelet that redefines what an emerald jewel can be.
—Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for redefine
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Verb
Despite a few glimmers of good feeling, today's fierce political divisions have redefined a milestone that has often been marked by unity and optimism, at least for a moment.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 22 June 2026
For a time, BP seemed to be trying to redefine itself faster than most of its peers.
—Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Yet the more important revolution may be occurring much closer to the front, where inexpensive drones are removing personnel, disrupting logistics, degrading air defenses and redefining the relationship between mass, maneuver, and military power.
—Hunter Lacroix, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026
From one of fine jewelry’s most exciting creatives comes a unique bracelet that redefines what an emerald jewel can be.
—Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for redefine
Cite this Entry
“Redefine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redefine. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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