repackage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal. Common in business, marketing, finance, and media contexts.
Quick answer
What does “repackage” mean?
To wrap or present something again, often in a different way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To wrap or present something again, often in a different way.
To modify the format, presentation, or structure of an idea, product, or debt in order to make it more appealing, marketable, or understandable, without necessarily changing its core substance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. The word behaves identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both, though can carry a slightly negative connotation when implying superficial changes to mask flaws or recycle old ideas.
Frequency
Equally common in business and media discourse in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “repackage” in a Sentence
[Someone] repackages [something] (as/for/into [something])[Something] is repackaged (as/for [something])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “repackage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The supermarket decided to repackage the biscuits in recyclable materials.
- They've managed to repackage the political manifesto for younger voters.
American English
- The studio will repackage the classic films into a new box set.
- Banks often repackage mortgages into complex securities.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common: 'The company will repackage its legacy software as a cloud service.' Refers to marketing, finance (e.g., repackaged loans), and product development.
Academic
Used in media studies, marketing, and critical theory to discuss how ideas or cultural products are reformulated for new audiences.
Everyday
Less common. Might be used literally: 'I need to repackage this gift as the box got damaged.'
Technical
Used in logistics (physical repackaging) and computing (e.g., repackaging software code or data).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “repackage”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “repackage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “repackage”
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'The product repackaged' is wrong; must be 'The product *was* repackaged').
- Confusing with 'repackage' (spelling error for 'repackage').
- Overusing the metaphorical sense in inappropriate literal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its original meaning is physical, it is very commonly used metaphorically for ideas, policies, debt, software, and media content.
'Repackage' focuses on changing the format or presentation, which can be part of rebranding. 'Rebrand' is broader, encompassing a complete change of name, logo, and identity, not just the packaging.
Typically not. The core implication is that the contents remain largely the same, but their external presentation or structure is altered. If the substance changes, words like 'reformulate' or 'redesign' might be more accurate.
Yes, it can imply a superficial or deceptive change intended to make something old or flawed appear new and attractive, e.g., 'They're just repackaging the same failed ideas.'
To wrap or present something again, often in a different way.
Repackage is usually neutral to formal. common in business, marketing, finance, and media contexts. in register.
Repackage: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈpæk.ɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈpæk.ɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Repackage the same old wine in a new bottle.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a moving company: you REmove items from old boxes and PACK them AGEin (again) into new ones. RE-PACK-AGE.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESENTATION IS A CONTAINER. Changing the container (package) changes the perceived value of the contents.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'repackage' MOST likely metaphorical?