rerun: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal (esp. for TV/film); Neutral to formal (esp. for computing/events).
Quick answer
What does “rerun” mean?
To show or broadcast a film, television programme, or series again after its original showing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To show or broadcast a film, television programme, or series again after its original showing.
An instance of repeating a process, event, or competition; to run or perform something again.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'repeat' is the dominant term for TV/broadcast; 'rerun' is understood but less common. In the US, 'rerun' is standard for TV. The verb form is more prevalent in US English.
Connotations
Often has a negative connotation of unoriginality or laziness in TV scheduling. In computing/events, it's neutral, meaning simply 'to do again'.
Frequency
High frequency in US media/culture; lower frequency in UK, where 'repeat' is preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “rerun” in a Sentence
[Subject] reruns [Object] (e.g., The network reruns the show).[Object] is a rerun of [Something] (e.g., It's just a rerun of last year's arguments).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rerun” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to rerun the classic series for its anniversary.
- The lab will need to rerun the tests to be sure.
American English
- The network will rerun the championship game on Sunday.
- Let's rerun the numbers with the updated figures.
adjective
British English
- It was a rerun episode from last season.
- We're stuck in a rerun debate.
American English
- It's just a rerun show from the 90s.
- He gave a rerun performance of his earlier speech.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used in project management: 'We had to rerun the simulation with new data.'
Academic
Used in computing/experimental sciences: 'The statistical model was rerun to verify results.'
Everyday
Predominantly for television: 'There's nothing on but reruns tonight.'
Technical
Standard in computing: 'Rerun the script after fixing the bug.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rerun”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rerun”
- Using 'rerun' as the primary term in UK English for TV repeats.
- Incorrect stress: pronouncing the verb /ˈriː.rʌn/ in AmE instead of /riːˈrʌn/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. Primarily a noun in UK English, but commonly used as both noun and verb in US English (e.g., 'a rerun' [noun], 'to rerun a program' [verb]).
In UK broadcast contexts, 'repeat' is the standard, neutral term. 'Rerun' is understood but often carries a more informal or slightly negative connotation of unoriginal scheduling. In other contexts (computing, events), they are more interchangeable.
As a verb, the stress typically shifts to the second syllable: /riːˈrʌn/. As a noun, it's /ˈriː.rʌn/.
Yes. It's common in computing ('rerun the code'), in sports ('rerun the race'), and metaphorically for any repetitive situation ('a rerun of last year's argument').
To show or broadcast a film, television programme, or series again after its original showing.
Rerun is usually neutral to informal (esp. for tv/film); neutral to formal (esp. for computing/events). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's just a rerun of the same old story. (metaphorical for repetitive situation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RE-RUN: Think of a film REel RUNning through a projector a second time.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CYCLE / LIFE IS A RECORDED PROGRAMME (e.g., 'feeling like a rerun').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'rerun' MOST commonly used in American English?