reopen

verb

re·​open (ˌ)rē-ˈō-pən 

-ˈō-pᵊm

reopened; reopening; reopens

transitive verb

1

: to open again

2

a

: to take up again : resume

reopen discussion

b

: to resume discussion or consideration of

reopen a contract

3

: to begin again

intransitive verb

: to open again

school reopens in September

Synonyms of reopen

• continue
• restart
• resume

Examples of reopen in a Sentence

The restaurant will reopen in April.

I'm sorry, but the store is closed. We reopen at nine on Monday.

The cut on his knee reopened when he tried to run.

The company announced plans to reopen its Detroit factory.

a procedure to reopen a clogged artery

The district attorney reopened the murder case because new evidence was found.

He wants the team to reopen his contract.

Recent Examples on the Web

The remarks came days after Araghchi proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear talks within seven days if Washington accepts Iran’s terms. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

The administration has reopened its plans for the Red Line, including a bus rapid transit option that MTA says could allow both it and BMORE BUS to be completed within five years. — Brian O'Malley, Baltimore Sun, 28 Sep. 2026

Christopher Bass, director of DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs, said reopening the trailhead restores an important part of the county's trail system. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

The Department of Transportation will close the highway, fire a howitzer, clear the snow off the road, and then reopen it. — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing reopen

• reopen old wounds

Rhymes for reopen

• open
• atropine

Kids Definition

reopen

verb

re·​open (ˈ)rē-ˈō-pən 

-ˈōp-ᵊn

1

: to open again

2

: to take up again : resume

reopen the discussion

Legal Definition

reopen

transitive verb

re·​open ˌrē-ˈō-pən 

1

: to take up again

reopen discussion

2

: to resume the discussion or consideration of (a closed matter)

reopen the contract to negotiate benefits

3

: to try or hear (an action) anew especially for the purpose of hearing new evidence