regrow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common in scientific, environmental, and medical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “regrow” mean?
To grow again after being lost, damaged, or removed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To grow again after being lost, damaged, or removed.
To restore or renew growth; to cause something to develop again, often through natural processes or deliberate intervention.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Slightly more common in American environmental discourse.
Connotations
Both varieties carry positive connotations of healing, restoration, and resilience.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; slightly higher in American English due to broader use in business metaphors ('regrow market share').
Grammar
How to Use “regrow” in a Sentence
[NP] regrows[NP] regrow [NP][NP] be regrownVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “regrow” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hedge will regrow quite quickly if you trim it properly.
- Scientists hope the coral can regrow if the water temperature stabilises.
American English
- The lawn should regrow after the drought if we keep it watered.
- Some lizards can regrow their tails if they lose them to a predator.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The company aims to regrow its customer base after the rebranding.
Academic
The study examines the mechanisms that allow planarians to regrow entire bodies from fragments.
Everyday
Don't worry, the grass will regrow after this dry spell if we water it.
Technical
The hydrogel scaffold is designed to help nerve tissue regrow across the injury site.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “regrow”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “regrow”
- Using 'regrow' for non-organic things without metaphorical intent (e.g., 'regrow a broken vase'). Confusing with 'regrow' vs. 'grow' (requires previous existence).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically no, unless used metaphorically (e.g., 'regrow profits'). Its literal use requires a biological or organic subject that was previously growing.
They are often synonymous. 'Grow back' is more common in everyday speech, while 'regrow' is slightly more formal and frequent in scientific/technical contexts.
No, it has been in use since at least the 17th century, though its frequency has increased with advances in biology and environmental science.
Yes. Intransitive: 'The grass regrew.' Transitive: 'She is trying to regrow her damaged nerves.'
To grow again after being lost, damaged, or removed.
Regrow is usually neutral to formal; common in scientific, environmental, and medical contexts. in register.
Regrow: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈɡrəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈɡroʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a lizard's tail (can regrow)”
- “Phoenix rising (metaphorical regrowth)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RE + GROW = to GROW again. Think of 'REpair' or 'REbuild' – the 'RE' prefix means 'again'.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEALTH/RECOVERY IS REGROWTH (e.g., 'The economy is regrowing its strength').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'regrow' used most literally?