relocate
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to move or be moved to a new place, esp (of an employee, a business, etc) to a new area or place of employment
-
(intr) (of an employee, a business, etc) to move for reasons of business to a new area or place of employment
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of relocate
Explanation
When you relocate, you move to a new location and settle into a new place. If you live in New York City but you get a job in Phoenix, you'll have to relocate to Arizona to start your new career. The word relocate came into English in the 1800s from re, meaning "back, again," and locate, meaning "to settle." Relocate refers not only to moving to a new place but also to establishing yourself there. It typically involves finding a new place to live, making new friends, finding your way around your new town or city — even getting cable TV installed. For some people, this can be an exciting adventure; for others, it's a daunting challenge of to-do lists.
Vocabulary lists containing relocate
"When Cultures Meet"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Word Generation Weekly - Series 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
How the Eagles can win: Relocate their running game with Barkley, which has been inconsistent all season behind an injury-riddled offensive line.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025
Relocate major appliances to make them easier to reach.
From Seattle Times • May 11, 2024
The statue is the “personal property” of the descendants, the filing says, and they “seek to Remove and Relocate to a place of Dignity and Discretion as a Cenotaph for A.P. Hill.”
From Washington Post • Jul. 23, 2022
Chris Menrad founded the Committee to Relocate Marilyn, which filed a lawsuit citing public codes, and has raised more than $70,000 to remove it.
From Reuters • Jun. 24, 2021
“House of Commons to Relocate During Building Works”, it said.
From The Guardian • Dec. 1, 2017
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
