rewrite

1 of 2

verb

re·​write (ˌ)rē-ˈrīt How to pronounce rewrite (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to write in reply
2
: to make a revision of (something, such as a story) : cause to be revised: such as
a
: to put (contributed material) into form for publication
b
: to alter (previously published material) for use in another publication

intransitive verb

: to revise something previously written
rewriter noun

rewrite

2 of 2

noun

re·​write ˈrē-ˌrīt How to pronounce rewrite (audio)
1
: a piece of writing (such as a news story) constructed by rewriting
2
: an act or instance of rewriting

Examples of rewrite in a Sentence

Verb The teacher asked him to rewrite the essay. I had to rewrite the computer program.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Brandon Smith, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2025 After Hedda burns Lovborg’s manuscript and Lovborg is shot by a pistol accidentally going off in her own hand (a gun gifted to her by Hedda, one of General Gabler’s ornate firearms), Tesman and Thea team up to attempt to rewrite Lovborg’s manuscript by hand. Rory Doherty, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
The group is asking the court to require a rewrite of the ballot language and the wording displayed at polling sites. Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025 Again while a deal is not done yet, insiders say it is headed in that direction after Jordan was blown away by the recent rewrite delivered by Gilroy. Justin Kroll, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rewrite

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1567, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rewrite was in 1567

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rewrite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rewrite. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

rewrite

1 of 2 verb
re·​write (ˈ)rē-ˈrīt How to pronounce rewrite (audio)
rewrote -ˈrōt How to pronounce rewrite (audio) ; rewritten -ˈrit-ən How to pronounce rewrite (audio) ; rewriting -ˈrīt-ing How to pronounce rewrite (audio)
: to write over again : revise
rewriter
-ˈrīt-ər
noun

rewrite

2 of 2 noun
re·​write ˈrē-ˌrīt How to pronounce rewrite (audio)
: something rewritten

More from Merriam-Webster on rewrite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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