redefine

verb

re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn 

redefined; redefining; redefines

transitive verb

1

: to define (something, such as a concept) again : reformulate

had to redefine their terms

2

a

: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change

b

: transform sense 1c

redefinition

(ˌ)rē-ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• readdress
• reanalyze
• reconceive
• reconsider
• reevaluate
• reexamine
• reexplore
• rethink
• review
• revisit
• reweigh

Examples of redefine in a Sentence

learning that he had been adopted forced him to completely redefine his identity

Recent Examples on the Web

This disheartening reality prompted Van Dusen to seek her sister’s help to create a brand that would redefine the industry. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 10 May 2025

Le Chiquito Photo: Courtesy of Jacquemus No Jacquemus handbag roundup is complete without Le Chiquito—the pint-sized phenomenon that redefined the scale (and humor) of the It bag. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 10 May 2025

Good form was redefined away from external results—i.e., a hot bod—and toward wellness. —Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 10 May 2025

Yet, several projects are tackling these challenges head-on, laying the groundwork that could redefine AI’s role. —Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for redefine

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

Kids Definition

redefine

verb

re·​de·​fine ˌrē-di-ˈfīn 

1

: to define (as a concept) again

redefined their terms

2

: to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change

redefine our goals