retell

verb

re·​tell (ˌ)rē-ˈtel 

retold (ˌ)rē-ˈtōld  ; retelling

transitive verb

1

: to tell again or in another form

2

: to count again

Examples of retell in a Sentence

The movie retells the story of Romeo and Juliet.

Recent Examples on the Web

Since her death, Wuornos’ story has been told and retold numerous times in popular culture, most notably in the 2003 biographical crime drama Monster, starring Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci as Wuornos and Moore, respectively. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2026

The Story of the Russian Revolution (2017) retells the history of the Russian Revolution of 1917 from a Marxist point of view. — Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026

In a defensive meeting during training camp, Burke retold a story that was told by British explorer Louis Rudd, the second person to ski solo across Antarctica. — Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Thought leadership is often retelling the same 20 stories in different formats, anyway. — Marissa Brassfield, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for retell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

Kids Definition

retell

verb

re·​tell rē-ˈtel 

retold -ˈtōld  ; retelling

1

: to tell again or in another form

2

: to count again