remaster: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Technical (in media production); Informal (in general use for any improvement)
Quick answer
What does “remaster” mean?
To make a new, improved version of a recording, especially of music or film, from the original master copy using modern technology.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make a new, improved version of a recording, especially of music or film, from the original master copy using modern technology.
To revise, update, or improve the quality of any existing work, particularly digital media, for re-release or preservation, or to prepare it for new formats. Can also metaphorically describe refining or polishing any existing product or skill.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. Slight tendency for British English to use 'remastered' as an attributive adjective (e.g., 'the remastered edition') slightly more frequently in formal marketing.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties—implies improved quality, nostalgia, and often commercial re-release.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties due to the globalized nature of media industries.
Grammar
How to Use “remaster” in a Sentence
[Verb] + object (The studio remastered the film).[Verb] + object + for + purpose (They remastered the tracks for streaming).[Be] + remastered (The series has been remastered).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “remaster” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The record label decided to remaster the entire Beatles catalogue in Dolby Atmos.
- They've hired an engineer to remaster that old Hitchcock film for the BFI archive.
American English
- The studio is going to remaster the original Star Wars trilogy yet again.
- We need to remaster these podcast episodes to improve the sound quality.
adverb
British English
- The film was beautifully remastered.
- The album has been expertly remastered.
American English
- The tracks were perfectly remastered for vinyl.
- The game was poorly remastered, with lots of bugs.
adjective
British English
- The remastered box set includes previously unseen footage.
- Is this the remaster version or the original 1995 release?
American English
- The remastered soundtrack is incredible on this new sound system.
- Check out the remastered graphics in the video game re-release.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a strategy for re-monetizing legacy media assets (e.g., 'The remaster project will drive Q4 revenue').
Academic
Used in media studies, film history, or sound engineering to discuss preservation and technological mediation (e.g., 'The remaster alters the original cinematic text').
Everyday
Common among consumers discussing re-releases of music, games, or films (e.g., 'I'm waiting for the remastered version before I buy it').
Technical
Precise process in audio/visual engineering involving noise reduction, format conversion, and dynamic range adjustment (e.g., 'Remaster from the original analogue tapes').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “remaster”
- Using 'remaster' interchangeably with 'remake' (a remake involves new filming/recording).
- Misspelling as 'remastre' or 'remastar'.
- Using it for non-media contexts where 'refurbish' or 'renovate' is more appropriate (e.g., 'They remastered the old house' is unusual).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'remaster' enhances the original source material (like cleaning an old painting). A 'remake' creates a new version from scratch (like repainting the picture entirely).
While its core use is media, it's sometimes used metaphorically for other products (e.g., 'a remastered classic car'). This is an extended, informal use.
Not always. While the intent is improvement, some purists argue remasters can lose the original's character or be poorly executed. It's a technical process, not a guarantee of quality.
It emerged in the mid-20th century with the advent of magnetic tape and became widespread with the digital revolution (CDs, DVDs) as a key marketing term for re-releases.
To make a new, improved version of a recording, especially of music or film, from the original master copy using modern technology.
Remaster is usually formal/technical (in media production); informal (in general use for any improvement) in register.
Remaster: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈmɑːstə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈmæstɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE- (again) + MASTER (the original, best copy). You go back to the MASTER to make it better AGAIN.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDIA IS AN ARTEFACT TO BE POLISHED/PRESERVED; IMPROVEMENT IS CLEANING (e.g., 'cleaned-up audio').
Practice
Quiz
What is the key implication of the word 'remaster' as opposed to 'remake'?