retake

1 of 2

verb

re·​take (ˌ)rē-ˈtāk 

retook (ˌ)rē-ˈtu̇k  ; retaken (ˌ)rē-ˈtā-kən  ; retaking

transitive verb

1

: to take or receive again

2

: recapture

3

: to photograph again

retake

2 of 2

noun

re·​take ˈrē-ˌtāk 

: a subsequent filming, photographing, or recording undertaken to improve upon the first

also : an instance of this

Synonyms of retake

Verb

• recapture
• regain
• retrieve
• recover
• reclaim

Examples of retake in a Sentence

Verb

They helped their party retake the Senate.

He retook the lead close to the finish line.

We will have to retake the photograph.

Students can retake the test.

Noun

The director called for a retake.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

North Carolina’s Senate seat is a crucial race that Democrats must flip in order to retake the Senate for the first time since 2022. — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2026

Democrats have seized upon AI safety to boost their chances of retaking congressional control in the midterms. — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Noun

Truly, no one is more willing than a Harrie to snap 25 photos of you outside the venue (plus retakes, if necessary) before effusively complimenting your hair glitter. — Michelle Ruiz, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Harry Kane scored twice — including a penalty retake and a header off a set piece — in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia before a sellout crowd of 70,389, tying Gary Lineker for the most World Cup goals by an England player with 10. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1913, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for retake

• awake
• backache
• beefsteak
• betake
• cheesecake
• cupcake
• daybreak
• earthquake
• forsake
• gouache
• handshake
• headache

Kids Definition

retake

1 of 2 verb

re·​take (ˈ)rē-ˈtāk 

retook -ˈtu̇k  ; retaken -ˈtā-kən  ; retaking

: to take again

especially : to photograph again

retake

2 of 2 noun

re·​take ˈrē-ˌtāk 

: a second photographing, filming, or recording to improve upon the first