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

Democrats see Maine as pivotal to their chances to retake the Senate. — Tamara Keith, NPR, 14 July 2026

Craig also criticized progressives for gambling with Democrats’ chances to retake the Senate due to poor campaigning and vetting of candidates. — Matt Brown, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026

Noun

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

Dominik Livakovic saved Harry Kane’s first attempt, but a retake was ordered because the goalkeeper had moved off his line and defender Josko Gvardiol had encroached into the area early before clearing the rebound. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 28 June 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