reincarnation

noun re·in·car·na·tion \ ˌrē-(ˌ)in-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-shən \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of reincarnation

1 a : the action of reincarnating : the state of being reincarnated

b : rebirth in new bodies or forms of life; especially : a rebirth of a soul in a new human body

2 : a fresh embodiment

See reincarnation defined for English-language learners

See reincarnation defined for kids

Examples of reincarnation in a Sentence

Many people believe in reincarnation.

Recent Examples of reincarnation from the Web

Netflix attempts to tap into that trend with Lost in Space, a modern reincarnation of a beloved 1960s camp classic centered around a robot’s interactions with humans.

— alex fitzpatrick, Time, "Netflix’s Lost in Space Wants to Be TV’s Next Great Sci-Fi Series," 12 Apr. 2018
Spokes & Spires is the latest reincarnation of a team that has existed in some faction in the Louisville region for decades.

— danielle lerner, The Courier-Journal, "Underdog or not, Louisville's wheelchair basketball team finds sanctuary in sport," 10 Apr. 2018
Rosie’s Sidekick is actually a reincarnation of the original Rosie’s Deli in West Town.

— grace wong, chicagotribune.com, "Picnic basket lunches to go? Yes, please. Plus Italian sandwiches at Rosie's Sidekick. Here are new openings:," 3 Apr. 2018
Billboard takes you behind the scenes of the singing competition's reincarnation.

— nicole pajer, Billboard, "Inside ABC's 'American Idol': Katy Perry, Lionel Richie & Luke Bryan Weather Their First Hollywood Week With 'Dignity'... and Fart Jokes," 25 Jan. 2018
Even if there is no literal reincarnation of Ford, his influence could live on in a more abstract way.

— emma dibdin, Harper's BAZAAR, "8 Things to Expect From 'Westworld' Season 2," 7 Dec. 2016
Only Buddhism consistently emphasized respect for nonhuman animals, embedded in its concept of reincarnation.

— Longreads, "The Way We Treat Our Pets Is More Paleolithic Than Medieval," 22 Mar. 2018
Taylor is the best quarterback the Browns have had since their reincarnation, but does anyone view him as anything more than a stopgap?

— steven ruiz, For The Win, "Why the Browns are actually losers of the NFL's wild weekend of trades," 12 Mar. 2018
Chang-Yong Moon and Jin Jeon's debut doc follows a young Indian boy believed to be the reincarnation of a Tibetan Buddhist monk.

— john defore, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Becoming Who I Was': Film Review," 2 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reincarnation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of reincarnation

1845

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra

REINCARNATION Defined for English Language Learners

reincarnation

noun

Definition of reincarnation for English Language Learners

: the idea or belief that people are born again with a different body after death
: someone who has been born again with a different body after death

REINCARNATION Defined for Kids

reincarnation

noun re·in·car·na·tion \ ˌrē-ˌin-ˌkär-ˈnā-shən \

Definition of reincarnation for Students

: rebirth of the soul in a new body after death

Learn More about reincarnation

See words that rhyme with reincarnation Spanish Central: Translation of reincarnation Nglish: Translation of reincarnation for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of reincarnation for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reincarnation

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reincarnation

Definition of reincarnation

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First Known Use of reincarnation

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REINCARNATION Defined for English Language Learners

reincarnation

Definition of reincarnation for English Language Learners

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reincarnation

Definition of reincarnation for Students

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