rekindle

verb

re·​kin·​dle ˌrē-ˈkin-dᵊl How to pronounce rekindle (audio)
rekindled; rekindling
1
transitive : to kindle (something) again
rekindle a fire
On the way the torch went out, and we took shelter in a small and lonely Christian chapel to rekindle it.Robert Louis Stevenson
: to start or stir up (something) again
The couple appeared to rekindle their romance, exchanging loving messages promising to try to make the relationship work again …Sarah Ward
"… You get a chance to meet up with people and rekindle memories … "Paul O'Connell
Its election offered an example of how to rekindle interest in politics …Vrasidas Karalis
Her story is one of those great stories of love, commitment and perseverance that rekindle your hope for humanity …Kimberly Fletcher
2
intransitive : to begin to burn again : to flare up again
Firefighters were called back to the scene around 6 a.m. when the flames rekindled.Mike Hasch

Examples of rekindle in a Sentence

the trip to Ireland rekindled her interest in learning Gaelic
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.
Sabrina Carpenter’s new album cover has rekindled one of the classic debates around pop culture and sexuality: Satire or subjugation? Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC news, 17 June 2025 And while those emotions have laid dormant over the intervening years, Chicago’s great spirit suggests that they can be readily rekindled. Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025 One California firefighter had a better idea However, his proposal immediately rekindled the political jousting between advocates and opponents and the pressure on legislative leaders over whether the tunnel should be addressed in a trailer bill. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 13 June 2025 In the clip, released on Thursday, June 12, Nelly, 50, and Ashanti, 44, reflect upon the long journey that ultimately led to them rekindling their romance in 2023, 10 years after their split. Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rekindle

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rekindle was in 1592

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Cite this Entry

“Rekindle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rekindle. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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