reenter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “reenter” mean?
To enter again.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To enter again; to go or come back into a place, state, or activity.
To resume or return to a previous state, system, or agreement. Can also refer to inputting data into a computer again or returning to Earth's atmosphere in a spacecraft.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK English overwhelmingly prefers the hyphenated form 're-enter'. US English accepts both 'reenter' and 're-enter', with 'reenter' being more common in computing/technical contexts and 're-enter' in general writing.
Connotations
Both share the same core meaning. The hyphenated form can sometimes be perceived as more careful or traditional in editing.
Frequency
'Re-enter' is significantly more frequent in UK corpora. In US usage, 'reenter' is standard in closed compounds like 'reentry' but the verb form varies.
Grammar
How to Use “reenter” in a Sentence
[Subject] reenters [Object (place/state)][Subject] reenters [Object] after [time period/event][Subject] is allowed/permitted to reenter [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reenter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You will need to re-enter your PIN to confirm.
- After Brexit, the process to re-enter the EU single market is complex.
- The player was substituted but may re-enter the match later.
American English
- The company will reenter the smartphone market next fall.
- Please reenter your password in the confirmation field.
- The spacecraft will reenter over the Pacific Ocean.
adjective
British English
- The re-entry visa was processed quickly.
- They faced significant re-entry problems.
American English
- The reentry permit is valid for two years.
- The reentry interface was turbulent.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for returning to a market, restarting negotiations, or rejoining a company. (e.g., The firm plans to reenter the Asian market next quarter.)
Academic
Used in discussions of social reintegration, historical returns, or scientific processes like atmospheric reentry. (e.g., The study examined soldiers' challenges when reentering civilian life.)
Everyday
Common for returning to a room, retyping a password, or resuming an activity. (e.g., I had to reenter my details because the session timed out.)
Technical
Precise term in aerospace for a vehicle returning to a planet's atmosphere; in computing for data input. (e.g., The capsule will reenter Earth's atmosphere at 17,000 mph.)
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reenter”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reenter”
- Misspelling as 're-enter' in contexts where closed form is standard (US computing). Omitting the hyphen in UK English. Using 'reenter' when 'return' or 'go back' would be more natural in casual speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct, but usage varies by region and style guide. UK English strongly prefers 're-enter'. US English uses both, with a trend towards 'reenter' in closed compounds, especially in technical contexts.
Yes, it is commonly used figuratively. You can reenter a state of mind, reenter negotiations, or reenter a period of your life.
The noun is 'reentry' (often 're-entry' in UK English). It refers to the act or process of reentering.
'Reenter' often implies a formal, structured, or specific point of entry (into a system, place, agreement). 'Return' is broader and more general. You 'return home' but 'reenter a password' or 'reenter a treaty'.
To enter again.
Reenter is usually neutral to formal in register.
Reenter: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈɛntə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈɛntər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Reenter the fray”
- “Reenter the picture”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the prefix RE- meaning 'again' + ENTER. You RE-ENTER a room you just left.
Conceptual Metaphor
RETURNING IS REENTERING A CONTAINER (e.g., reentering the job market, reentering society).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the hyphenated spelling 're-enter' considered MOST standard?