reinvent

verb

re·​in·​vent ˌrē-ən-ˈvent 

reinvented; reinventing; reinvents

transitive verb

1

: to make as if for the first time something already invented

reinvent the wheel

2

: to remake or redo completely

3

: to bring into use again

reinvention

ˌrē-ən-ˈven(t)-shən 

noun

Examples of reinvent in a Sentence

The candidate promised to reinvent Social Security.

chefs who reinvent regional favorites using exotic ingredients

Recent Examples on the Web

Manaea was the ace the Mets needed last season when right-hander Kodai Senga was injured, turning in a career year and reinventing himself after two challenging seasons with the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2025

The film stars Ke Huy Quan as a real estate agent who has reinvented his life after leaving the employ of his intimidating gangster brother. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025

In All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque reinvented a genre. —George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025

This is Snow’s legacy: The memory of Church Street Station’s glory can drive the determination to reinvent Orlando one more time. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reinvent

• reinvent oneself
• reinvent the wheel

Kids Definition

reinvent

verb

re·​in·​vent ˌrē-ən-ˈvent 

1

: to make as if for the first time something already invented

reinvent the wheel

2

: to remake or redo completely

reinvented his musical style

reinvention

-ˈven-chən 

noun