retread

1 of 3

verb (1)

re·​tread (ˌ)rē-ˈtred How to pronounce retread (audio)
retreaded; retreading

transitive verb

1
: to bond or vulcanize a new tread to the prepared surface of (a worn tire)
2
: to make over as if new
retread an old plot

retread

2 of 3

noun

re·​tread ˈrē-ˌtred How to pronounce retread (audio)
1
: a retreaded tire
2
: something made or done again especially in slightly altered form : remake
3
a
: one (such as a retired person) who is recalled or retrained for work
b
: one (such as an athlete) who has previously held the same or a similar position

re-tread

3 of 3

verb (2)

re-trod (ˌ)rē-ˈträd How to pronounce re-tread (audio) ; re-trodden (ˌ)rē-ˈträ-dᵊn How to pronounce re-tread (audio) or re-trod; re-treading

transitive verb

: to tread again

Examples of retread in a Sentence

Noun The show is just another TV sitcom retread.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
After the movie premiered at the Venice Film Festival, many critics panned the film, arguing Gaga was underused and that Phillips spent too much time retreading territory from the original. Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 6 Oct. 2024 Later in the year, Mars will yawn and retread his steps first in Leo from Dec. 6 through Jan. 6, 2026 — but will once again be summoned beneath the waves of Cancer in a retrograde motion from then until Feb. 23, 2025. Kyle Thomas, Peoplemag, 4 Sep. 2024
Noun
Not all sequel albums are bogus retreads or lazy marketing ploys. Reanna Cruz, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2024 Advertisement Yet not unlike the Rolling Stones, the 50-something men of Green Day — Armstrong, bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tré Cool, along with three touring musicians — still play with so much energy and attitude that this show steeped in memories never felt like a retread. Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2024
Verb
That familiar setup doesn’t mean the record is a re-tread of familiar territory, though, as Stapleton is looser, bolder and surer of himself, a recipe making this his best project yet. Brittney McKenna, SPIN, 10 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for retread 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retread was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near retread

Cite this Entry

“Retread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retread. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

retread

1 of 2 verb
re·​tread (ˈ)rē-ˈtred How to pronounce retread (audio)
retreaded; retreading
1
: to put a new tread on (a worn tire)
2
: to make over as if new
retread an old plot

retread

2 of 2 noun
re·​tread ˈrē-ˌtred How to pronounce retread (audio)
1
: a retreaded tire
2
: something made or done again especially in a slightly altered form
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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