relaunch: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Business, Media
Quick answer
What does “relaunch” mean?
To start or introduce something again, especially a product, service, or publication, often with improvements.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To start or introduce something again, especially a product, service, or publication, often with improvements.
To restart or reinitiate a process, campaign, career, or activity after a period of inactivity or change; the act or instance of such a restart.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 're-launch' with a hyphen is slightly more common in British English, while 'relaunch' is the dominant solid form in American English. Both forms are understood in both varieties.
Connotations
None. The word carries identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both. More common in business and media contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “relaunch” in a Sentence
relaunch [OBJECT] (as/in/with something)[OBJECT] is relaunchedthe relaunch of [OBJECT]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “relaunch” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They plan to re-launch the magazine in a larger format.
- The brand was relaunched with a sustainable focus.
American English
- The studio will relaunch the franchise with a new director.
- She successfully relaunched her career after the hiatus.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no common adverbial form)
American English
- (Not standard; no common adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- The re-launch event will be held in London.
- We are in the relaunch phase of the project.
American English
- The relaunch campaign cost millions.
- They hired a new team for the relaunch strategy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The company will relaunch the smartphone line with updated features to compete in the premium market.
Academic
The journal was relaunched under a new editorial board with a focus on interdisciplinary studies.
Everyday
After renovating the cafe, they're planning a big relaunch party next month.
Technical
The development team must relaunch the application server after applying the critical security patch.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “relaunch”
- Confusing 'relaunch' with 'release' (a first-time introduction).
- Using it for minor updates (e.g., a software bug fix) instead of significant strategic renewals.
- Misspelling as 're-lauch' or 'relanch'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While very common for products and services, it is also used for careers, campaigns, websites, publications, and even political initiatives.
A rebrand focuses specifically on changing the name, logo, or image. A relaunch is broader and includes rebranding as a possible component, but also involves re-releasing the product/service itself, often with substantial changes.
Yes, it is commonly used as both a verb ('to relaunch') and a noun ('the relaunch was a success').
No. The word describes the action of restarting, not its outcome. A relaunch can fail if the changes are not well-received or the market conditions are unfavourable.
To start or introduce something again, especially a product, service, or publication, often with improvements.
Relaunch is usually formal, business, media in register.
Relaunch: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈlɔːntʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈlɑːntʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Back to the drawing board (a failed launch might precede a relaunch).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a rocket LAUNCH that didn't go well, so they have to RE-LAUNCH it. 'RE' (again) + 'LAUNCH' (start).
Conceptual Metaphor
A NEW BEGINNING AS A SECOND LAUNCH. Projects/companies are like spacecraft; a failed or outdated mission requires a second attempt to reach the desired orbit (success).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'relaunch' LEAST appropriate?