rehash

American  

[ree-hash, ree-hash] / riˈhæʃ, ˈriˌhæʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to work up (old material) in a new form.

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noun

1. the act of rehashing.

2. something rehashed.

rehash British  

verb

1. (tr) to rework, reuse, or make over (old or already used material)

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noun

1. something consisting of old, reworked, or reused material

Etymology

Origin of rehash

First recorded in 1815–25; re- + hash ¹

Explanation

When you rehash something, you use it again without altering or changing it much. Your favorite band's new album will be a disappointment if they just rehash all their old hits. Sometimes movie sequels are great films in their own right, but often they simply rehash the storyline, characters, and jokes from the original. You can call a movie like this a rehash. Another way to rehash is to go over something again, rethinking or reconsidering it: "She just wants to rehash that argument, trying to figure out why her friend got so angry."

Example Sentences

Rehash fond memories from your glory days together.

From Slate • May 28, 2019

Rehash Ahead in a Four-Hour Sinking There’s no new way to sink the Titanic, not after so many books and movies and so much James Cameron.

From New York Times • Apr. 13, 2012

Rehash, rē-hash′, v.t. to hash over again.—n. something made up of materials formerly used.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

Related Words

• restate
• reuse