repot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Semi-technical (Gardening/Horticulture), Informal
Quick answer
What does “repot” mean?
To transfer (a plant) into a new, usually larger, pot.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To transfer (a plant) into a new, usually larger, pot.
In computing contexts, can mean to restart or relocate a process or service (rare).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term is equally understood and used.
Connotations
Conveys care, horticultural knowledge, and plant maintenance in both varieties.
Frequency
Low-medium frequency in both, confined primarily to gardening contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “repot” in a Sentence
SUBJ repot OBJ (e.g., She repotted the cactus.)SUBJ repot OBJ PREP OBJ (e.g., He repotted the ficus into a larger container.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “repot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You should repot your peace lily before the roots get too crowded.
- I repotted all the herbs at the weekend.
American English
- It's time to repot the succulent into a pot with better drainage.
- She repots her orchids after they finish blooming.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard]
American English
- [Not standard]
adjective
British English
- [Not standard]
American English
- [Not standard]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in horticulture retail (e.g., 'Our service includes repotting.')
Academic
Used in botany or horticulture papers describing experimental procedures.
Everyday
Common among gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts.
Technical
Standard term in gardening manuals and plant care guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “repot”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “repot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “repot”
- Confusing spelling with 'report'.
- Using 'repot' without an object (*'I need to repot.' is incomplete; needs 'the plant').
- Incorrect stress: pronouncing it as 'REP-ot' (like 'report') instead of 'ree-POT'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Overwhelmingly yes. Its primary and almost exclusive meaning relates to placing a plant into a new pot. Extremely rare computing uses exist but are not standard.
'Transplant' is more general and can mean moving a plant from one location in the ground to another. 'Repot' is specific to moving a plant from one container (pot) to another.
It depends on the plant species, but a general rule is every 1-2 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Yes. For example: 'The fern was repotted last spring and has grown tremendously since.'
To transfer (a plant) into a new, usually larger, pot.
Repot is usually semi-technical (gardening/horticulture), informal in register.
Repot: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈpɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈpɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE + POT = to POT again. You put a plant back into a POT, but a new one.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELOCATION / GIVING NEW FOUNDATION (A plant is like a person moving to a bigger house for more space to grow.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'repot' most accurately used?