retread

1 of 3

verb (1)

re·​tread (ˌ)rē-ˈtred 

retreaded; retreading

transitive verb

1

: to bond or vulcanize a new tread to the prepared surface of (a worn tire)

2

: to make over as if new

retread an old plot

retread

2 of 3

noun

re·​tread ˈrē-ˌtred 

1

: a retreaded tire

2

: something made or done again especially in slightly altered form : remake

3

a

: one (such as a retired person) who is recalled or retrained for work

b

: one (such as an athlete) who has previously held the same or a similar position

re-tread

3 of 3

verb (2)

(ˌ)rē-ˈtred 

re-trod (ˌ)rē-ˈträd  ; re-trodden (ˌ)rē-ˈträ-dᵊn  or re-trod; re-treading

transitive verb

: to tread again

Examples of retread in a Sentence

Noun

The show is just another TV sitcom retread.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

But what is the Democrats’ plan other than to retread old policy and attack Republicans? —Evan Thies, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2026

What’s left for her is to tread and retread this path, from Mexico to Texas to California and back. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026

Noun

Most of the videos are gentle teasing about the idiosyncrasies of working at a bar or retreads of other viral videos. —Lauren Chapman, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2026

Similarly, Devon isn't a retread of other plucky Jedi leads. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2026

Verb

With some re-tread in free agency? —Miami Herald, 21 Dec. 2025

Two days of hearings in Arizona's fake electors case began Monday, with defense lawyers expected to re-tread ground that was covered while a different judge presided over the case. —Elena Santa Cruz, AZCentral.com, 10 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1605, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for retread

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

retread

1 of 2 verb

re·​tread (ˈ)rē-ˈtred 

retreaded; retreading

1

: to put a new tread on (a worn tire)

2

: to make over as if new

retread an old plot

retread

2 of 2 noun

re·​tread ˈrē-ˌtred 

1

: a retreaded tire

2

: something made or done again especially in a slightly altered form