reenlist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Military, Institutional
Quick answer
What does “reenlist” mean?
To enlist again, especially to sign up for another term of service in the armed forces.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To enlist again, especially to sign up for another term of service in the armed forces.
To recommit or sign up again for any organized service, program, or long-term endeavor, often implying a formal agreement for a continued period.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major spelling or meaning differences. However, the term is more frequently encountered in American media and discourse due to the larger size and cultural prominence of the US military. The British equivalent 'sign on for another tour' is also common.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries connotations of patriotism, commitment, and sometimes economic necessity. In the US, it is a standard military administrative term.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to the pervasive military culture and larger number of personnel. In British English, it is understood but less common in everyday civilian conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “reenlist” in a Sentence
Subject + reenlist (intransitive)Subject + reenlist + in + (military branch)Subject + reenlist + for + (period of time)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reenlist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- After his leave, Corporal Jones decided to reenlist for a further five years.
- The recruitment office reported that over sixty percent of eligible personnel chose to reenlist.
American English
- After her deployment, Sergeant Miller plans to reenlist in the Marines.
- The generous bonus convinced many soldiers to reenlist for another tour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically for a high-commitment employee renewing their contract, but 'renew' or 're-sign' is preferred.
Academic
Used in political science, sociology, or history papers discussing military personnel policies and retention.
Everyday
Used when discussing someone's career in the military. Not common in general conversation.
Technical
A standard administrative term within military organizations worldwide.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reenlist”
- Misspelling as 're-enlist' (hyhenated form is also correct but less common in modern usage). Confusing with 'enlist', which means to join for the first time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Enlist' means to join or sign up for the first time. 'Reenlist' specifically means to sign up again after completing a previous term of service.
Yes, but it is rare and metaphorical. It is sometimes used humorously or for dramatic effect to mean recommitting to any demanding, long-term endeavor (e.g., 'I reenlisted for another year as the school's PTA treasurer'). In standard usage, 'renew', 'recommit', or 're-enrol' are preferred.
Yes, 're-up' is a common slang synonym, almost exclusively used in American military contexts. It is more informal than 'reenlist'.
It is pronounced with a long 'e' sound (/riː/), and the main stress falls on the last syllable (-list). The prefix receives secondary stress: /ˌriː.ɪnˈlɪst/.
To enlist again, especially to sign up for another term of service in the armed forces.
Reenlist is usually formal, military, institutional in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “re-up (slang, primarily US military)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LIST of soldiers. To RE-ENLIST is to put your name back on that LIST for another term.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS MILITARY SERVICE / COMMITMENT IS A SIGNED CONTRACT. Extending one's service is seen as re-signing a binding agreement.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'reenlist' MOST appropriately used?