rebound

1 of 2

verb

re·​bound ˈrē-ˌbau̇nd How to pronounce rebound (audio)
ri-ˈbau̇nd
rebounded; rebounding; rebounds

intransitive verb

1
a
: to spring back on or as if on collision or impact with another body
b
: to recover from setback or frustration
2
: reecho
3
: to gain possession of a rebound in basketball

transitive verb

: to cause to rebound
rebounder
ˈrē-ˌbau̇n-dər How to pronounce rebound (audio)
ri-ˈbau̇n-
noun

rebound

2 of 2

noun

re·​bound ˈrē-ˌbau̇nd How to pronounce rebound (audio)
ri-ˈbau̇nd
1
a
: the action of rebounding : recoil
b
: an upward leap or movement : recovery
a sharp rebound in prices
2
a
: a basketball or hockey puck that rebounds
b
: the act or an instance of gaining possession of a basketball rebound
leads the league in rebounds
3
: a reaction to setback, frustration, or crisis
on the rebound from an unhappy love affair

Examples of rebound in a Sentence

Verb The baseball rebounded off the wall. She rebounded quickly from the loss. She is good at both shooting and rebounding. He rebounded the ball and quickly passed it to a teammate. Noun He led the league in rebounds last year.
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
Re-Emerging Enthusiasm for Private Markets Despite liquidity concerns, LP enthusiasm for private markets is rebounding. Alex Lazarow, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025 In his 43 healthy games, the Murray State product has been averaging 22.3 points on 44.9 percent shooting from the field and 83.4 percent shooting from the free-throw line, 7.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds a night. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
The transfer portal was on full display today for the Bruins as forward Timea Gardiner (formerly Oregon State) contributed 15 points, all beyond the arc, and of course, Betts (formerly Stanford) had 17 points in the paint, shooting 50%, going 7-for-14, seven rebounds, and six blocks. Allison Smith, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 The 6-foot-10 Arkansas product has appeared in 51 contests for Dallas this season, averaging 12.3 points on 69.9 percent shooting from the field and 69.9 percent shooting from the free-throw line, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rebound

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French rebundir, from re- + Old French bondir to bound — more at bound entry 4

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rebound was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rebound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebound. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

rebound

1 of 2 verb
re·​bound ri-ˈbau̇nd How to pronounce rebound (audio)
1
: to spring back on hitting something
2
: to recover from a loss or disappointment
3
: to gain possession of a rebound in basketball

rebound

2 of 2 noun
re·​bound ˈrē-ˌbau̇nd How to pronounce rebound (audio)
ri-ˈbau̇nd
1
: the action of rebounding : a springing back
2
a
: a basketball or hockey puck that rebounds
b
: the act of gaining possession of a basketball rebound
led the league in rebounds
3
: an immediate reaction especially to a loss or disappointment

Medical Definition

rebound

noun
re·​bound ˈrē-ˌbau̇nd How to pronounce rebound (audio) ri-ˈ How to pronounce rebound (audio)
: a spontaneous reaction
especially : a return to a previous state or condition following removal of a stimulus or cessation of treatment
withdrawal of antihypertensive medication may lead to a rebound hypertensive crisis Emergency Medicine

More from Merriam-Webster on rebound

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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