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

Pritam invokes the 18th-century Punjabi Sufi poet Waris Shah, whose version of the Punjabi folktale Heer retells the tragic love story of Heer and Ranjha. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026

They have been interpreted and reimagined for centuries, always reflecting the fears and concerns of the societies that retell them. — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

Disney made its name on the back of fairy and folktales, retelling centuries-old stories and giving them a fresh new spin for modern audiences. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026

This production feels like a fleeting moment — a reunion of friends and collaborators retelling a myth that is recounted over and over again. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 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