repopulate

verb

re·​pop·​u·​late (ˌ)rē-ˈpä-pyə-ˌlāt How to pronounce repopulate (audio)
repopulated; repopulating

transitive verb

: to populate (something) again
As cougars repopulate much of their former range, however, they are also encountering humans more frequently.William K. Stevens
… captive breeding programs are helping to repopulate endangered species.Mike Capuzzo
In modern times it was depopulated when distant city jobs attracted its people, then repopulated by city people.Jane Jacobs
Any new bone-marrow cells can survive and repopulate the recipient's defense apparatus provided the markers on the cell surfaces are the same as those of the donor.Lewis Thomas
repopulation noun
The first step is the repopulation of buffalo, the Plains' signature animal. Edmunds V. Bunkse
… even high total doses of radiation … may not be effective in controlling tumors capable of accelerated repopulation, since the rate of cell division may outpace that of cell loss stemming from treatment. Allen S. Lichter et al.

Examples of repopulate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Scientists found that the shallow-water conchs did not fully develop their reproductive organs, leaving them unable to repopulate the area. Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Sep. 2024 In addition, the process of repopulating the North Cascades is long and complicated. Devika Rao, theweek, 27 June 2024 In an optimistic future, southern koalas could repopulate the species’ northern range, just as French Island koalas helped repopulate the south—a possibility that some researchers are already planning for. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 17 June 2024 A number of encampments cleared by Inside Safe have simply repopulated, forcing multiple visits by outreach workers. Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for repopulate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'repopulate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of repopulate was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near repopulate

Cite this Entry

“Repopulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repopulate. Accessed 16 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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