refurb: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, mostly spoken and business/technical contexts. A clipped form (clipping) of 'refurbish'.
Quick answer
What does “refurb” mean?
To renovate or redecorate something, especially a building or a piece of technology, restoring it to a good condition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To renovate or redecorate something, especially a building or a piece of technology, restoring it to a good condition.
The process or act of refurbishing; the result of being refurbished. Informally, can refer to an item that has been refurbished, particularly in retail contexts (e.g., a refurbished phone).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English, particularly in property/DIY contexts. In American English, 'refurbish' is more formal and common, but 'refurb' is understood in tech/business.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of cost-saving and practicality versus buying new. In UK property, it can imply a quick, budget-friendly update.
Frequency
Low-frequency in formal writing for both, but higher in spoken business English and advertising.
Grammar
How to Use “refurb” in a Sentence
[Subject] + refurb + [Object] (e.g., We refurbished the flat.)[Object] + get/be + refurbished (e.g., The hotel is being refurbished.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “refurb” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to refurb the entire kitchen before selling.
- The council is planning to refurb the old library.
American English
- They decided to refurb the office space over the summer.
- The company refurbishes laptops and resells them.
adverb
British English
- Not standard usage.
American English
- Not standard usage.
adjective
British English
- I bought a refurb phone and it works perfectly.
- The refurb costs came in under budget.
American English
- Check the website for refurb electronics deals.
- It's a refurb model, but it has a new warranty.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in property management ('The asset requires a full refurb.') and retail ('We sell refurbished electronics.').
Academic
Rare. 'Renovate' or 'restore' are preferred.
Everyday
Used in conversations about home improvement or buying used tech ('I got a refurbished iPad.').
Technical
Used in IT/electronics for restored devices, and in construction/project management.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “refurb”
- Using 'refurb' in very formal writing. *'The museum was refurbished' is better as 'renovated'.
- Confusing 'refurbished' with 'second-hand' or 'used'—refurbished implies professional restoration.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'refurb' is an informal, clipped form of 'refurbish'. It is common in spoken English, business, and advertising, but 'refurbish' or 'renovate' should be used in formal writing.
'Refurbish' often implies cleaning, updating, and restoring existing structures/fittings. 'Renovate' can involve more significant structural changes and improvements. They are often interchangeable, but 'renovate' is broader.
Yes, informally. For example, 'The office is closed for a refurb.' This is more common in British English.
No. 'Used' simply means pre-owned. 'Refurbished' specifically means a used item has been professionally restored, tested, and often comes with a warranty, making it like-new in function.
To renovate or redecorate something, especially a building or a piece of technology, restoring it to a good condition.
Refurb: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈfɜːb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈfɜːrb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None commonly associated. Possible informal: 'a fixer-upper' (US property) is a related concept.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'FURB' as in 'furbish' (to polish). RE-FURB means to polish or improve again.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESTORATION IS CLEANING/ POLISHING (from 'furbish'), GIVING NEW LIFE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'refurb' LEAST likely to be used?