rewrite

1 of 2

verb

re·​write (ˌ)rē-ˈrīt How to pronounce rewrite (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to write in reply
2
: to make a revision of (something, such as a story) : cause to be revised: such as
a
: to put (contributed material) into form for publication
b
: to alter (previously published material) for use in another publication

intransitive verb

: to revise something previously written
rewriter noun

rewrite

2 of 2

noun

re·​write ˈrē-ˌrīt How to pronounce rewrite (audio)
1
: a piece of writing (such as a news story) constructed by rewriting
2
: an act or instance of rewriting

Examples of rewrite in a Sentence

Verb The teacher asked him to rewrite the essay. I had to rewrite the computer program.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Thomas Saccente, arkansasonline.com, 8 Mar. 2024 The Digital Markets Act (DMA), the new European Union rules that aim to rewrite how business is done online by regulating how the world’s biggest tech companies operate, take effect today, Thursday, March 7. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 The Alabama court decision made clear that this stance on the definition of life can broadly rewrite reproductive rights and send states, and perhaps the country, down unpredictable paths. Emily Bazelon, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2024 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Emma Colton, Fox News, 2 Mar. 2024 At one point, Ivo tells another patient’s wife, who’s paranoid that her dying husband will rewrite his will to leave everything to Ivo, caregivers aren’t allowed to accept bequests, legally or ethically. Peter Debruge, Variety, 28 Feb. 2024 The University of South Florida men’s basketball team has been rewriting the program’s record book. Tom Layberger, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 And that bully in the Kremlin — Russian President Vladimir Putin — must not be allowed to rewrite the rules of the road and dismiss Ukraine’s rights as a sovereign nation, redraw borders and flout international law. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024 Each room thrusts Peach into a different scene of the show that’s been overtaken and rewritten by Grape. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2024
Noun
That played a huge role in me developing the character and doing my prep, and finding Ana was part of the rewrite process and bringing on two of my friends — one of which is my co-producer’s brother, Justin Matthews, and his writing partner, Luke Spencer Roberts. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 9 Feb. 2024 All of those initiatives would likely get a rewrite under a Republican president. Laura Davison, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2024 For example, before Christmas, Reddit made some pretty big changes which necessitated a painful rewrite of a few features. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 1 Feb. 2024 While its original 1981 Broadway run was promptly cut short after just 16 performances, subsequent rewrites, new song additions, and off-Broadway productions have solidified Merrily's status as a cult classic of sorts within the pantheon of Sondheim's works. Emlyn Travis, EW.com, 10 Oct. 2023 Behind the scenes, The Idol experienced its own power shift with the departure of original director Amy Seimetz, leading to extensive rewrites and reshoots under Levinson’s purview. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 6 Dec. 2023 The rewrite put Ernest and his wife, Mollie (Gladstone), at the center of the story. Zack Sharf, Variety, 11 Sep. 2023 The script underwent a significant rewrite, however, shifting the dramatic focus from White’s investigation to the Osage and the circumstances that led to them being systematically killed with no consequences. Jonah Valdez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2023 Past rounds of talks have gotten nowhere because the issue is so charged and the system so legally complex that any rewrites of the law risk cascading and unintended effects. Lindsay Wise, WSJ, 13 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rewrite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1567, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rewrite was in 1567

Dictionary Entries Near rewrite

Cite this Entry

“Rewrite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rewrite. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rewrite

1 of 2 verb
re·​write (ˈ)rē-ˈrīt How to pronounce rewrite (audio)
rewrote -ˈrōt How to pronounce rewrite (audio) ; rewritten -ˈrit-ən How to pronounce rewrite (audio) ; rewriting -ˈrīt-ing How to pronounce rewrite (audio)
: to write over again : revise
rewriter
-ˈrīt-ər
noun

rewrite

2 of 2 noun
re·​write ˈrē-ˌrīt How to pronounce rewrite (audio)
: something rewritten
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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