reheating: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, common in everyday and technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “reheating” mean?
The action of heating something again after it has cooled.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of heating something again after it has cooled.
The process of warming up previously cooked food; metaphorically, reviving or reinvigorating something (e.g., a debate, a relationship).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Spelling: 'reheating' consistent. British English may use 'warm up' more informally.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Often carries a slight negative connotation regarding food quality (drying out, loss of texture).
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “reheating” in a Sentence
[reheat] + [NP] (e.g., reheating the lasagna)[reheat] + [NP] + [PP] (e.g., reheating leftovers in the microwave)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reheating” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'll be reheating the shepherd's pie for supper.
- The instructions advise reheating until piping hot.
American English
- She's reheating the turkey in the oven.
- Always cover food when reheating in the microwave.
adverb
British English
- Heated food must be cooled quickly before reheating properly.
- She served the meal quickly, without reheating.
American English
- The soup is meant for serving cold, not reheating.
- The chicken is safe to eat after reheating thoroughly.
adjective
British English
- The reheating guidelines are on the packet.
- Use a microwave-safe dish for reheating purposes.
American English
- Follow the recommended reheating times.
- The reheating function on this oven is very efficient.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in manufacturing contexts (reheating metals for further processing).
Academic
Used in food science, materials engineering, and thermodynamics.
Everyday
Very common, predominantly in domestic cooking contexts.
Technical
Specific in metallurgy (reheating for annealing), polymer science, and food safety protocols.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reheating”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reheating”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reheating”
- Incorrect: 're-heating' (hyphen usually unnecessary in modern English).
- Confusing 'reheating' (process) with 'reheated' (state).
- Misspelling as 'rehetting'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the container. Only use containers labeled as microwave-safe to avoid chemical leaching.
The primary concern is that food must reach a core temperature high enough (usually 75°C/165°F) to destroy harmful bacteria, and it must be heated evenly to avoid cold spots.
Yes, it can be used technically for materials like metals or plastics, and metaphorically for reviving discussions, conflicts, or interest in a topic.
'Reheating' specifically implies heating something that was previously hot and then cooled, often to serving temperature. 'Warming up' can be more general, including initial heating (e.g., warming up a car engine) and is less formal.
The action of heating something again after it has cooled.
Reheating is usually neutral, common in everyday and technical contexts. in register.
Reheating: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈhiːtɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈhitɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Reheating old arguments (reviving past disputes)”
- “It's like reheating a soufflé (something that cannot be successfully revived).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RE-HEAT-ING: Think of 'RE' (again) + 'HEAT' (make warm) + 'ING' (the action of). The action of making warm again.
Conceptual Metaphor
REVIVAL IS REHEATING (e.g., reheating a cold case, reheating a romance).
Practice
Quiz
In a metallurgical context, 'reheating' is most closely associated with: