rewrite

American  

[ree-rahyt, ree-rahyt] / riˈraɪt, ˈriˌraɪt /

verb (used with object)

rewrote, rewritten, rewriting

1. to write in a different form or manner; revise.

   to rewrite the entire book.

2. to write again.

3. to write (news submitted by a reporter) for inclusion in a newspaper.

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noun

1. the news story rewritten.

2. something written in a different form or manner; revision.

   They loved the rewrite, and said it would be a blockbuster!

rewrite British  

verb

1. to write (written material) again, esp changing the words or form

2. computing to return (data) to a store when it has been erased during reading

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noun

1. something rewritten

Other Word Forms

• rewriter noun

Etymology

Origin of rewrite

First recorded in 1560–70; re- + write

Example Sentences

The plan is not binding but serves as a statement of the administration's priorities as Congress begins drafting spending legislation, with lawmakers retaining the power to rewrite or reject it.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

After Chávez won a landslide presidential election in 1998, Flores helped rewrite the constitution and served in a new National Assembly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

The client requested that I rewrite the essay to have a more personal voice—to be more “authentic.”

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

Its 2022 sequel was largely defined by the death of star Chadwick Boseman after a battle with cancer, which forced Coogler to rewrite the film.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

On the basis of these, Dr. Leakey has said it’s time to rewrite completely the history of man’s origin.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey

Related Words

• edit
• rework