reinterpret

verb

re·​in·​ter·​pret ˌrē-ən-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce reinterpret (audio)
-pət
reinterpreted; reinterpreting; reinterprets

transitive verb

: to interpret again
specifically : to give a new or different interpretation to
reinterpretation noun

Examples of reinterpret in a Sentence

New information may force us to reinterpret the evidence. The director wants to reinterpret the old play for a modern audience.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Designed by Bill Bensley, the restaurant reinterprets Victorian-era rituals and Singaporean flavors, tracing the hotel’s culinary evolution from 1887 to today. Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026 These three designs have served as templates for countless brands and designers over the past 100 years, who have either reinterpreted them or sought to recreate the originals. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2026 Many young visitors to ancient palaces and other tourist attractions in Seoul can also be seen borrowing hanbok from rental stores, while some fashion brands have reinterpreted it for a modern lifestyle. Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026 The collection reinterprets iconic Lee silhouettes like the Storm Rider jacket, a style that dates to 1948 when it was originally designed and advertised to cowboys. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reinterpret

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reinterpret was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reinterpret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reinterpret. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

reinterpret

verb
re·​in·​ter·​pret ˌrē-ən-ˈtər-prət How to pronounce reinterpret (audio)
: to interpret again
especially : to give a new or different interpretation to
reinterpretation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on reinterpret

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster