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

Verb

• get back
• re-collect
• reacquire
• recapture
• reclaim
• recoup
• recover
• regain
• repossess
• retrieve

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

And since President Donald Trump retook office, the couple has been dealing with his rhetoric and the ever-changing news cycle. —Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 22 May 2025

The group inflicted widespread abuse and brutality on the tiny population that remained, sparking an outpouring of relief when the army retook it. —Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 16 May 2025

Noun

The March retake used different platforms (Scantrons and Word) than the original glitch-prone software, creating unequal conditions. —Zack Defazio Farrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025

For many, a retake meant lost income, added anxiety and prolonged professional uncertainty. —Zack Defazio Farrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025

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
• eastlake
• forsake
• 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