rebirth
Americannoun
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rebirths
plural
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a new or second birth.
the rebirth of the soul.
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a renewed existence, activity, or growth; renaissance or revival.
the rebirth of conservatism.
noun
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a revival or renaissance
the rebirth of learning
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a second or new birth; reincarnation
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of rebirth
Compare meaning
How does rebirth compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
A rebirth can be a literal reincarnation — being born for a second time in a new body — and it can also mean a brand new beginning, like the rebirth of swing dancing in the 21st century. If you're convinced that after your goldfish died, it was born again in the form of a crow, you believe in rebirth. Many religious traditions include the concept of rebirth. Even if you're not sure about reincarnation, you might describe a renewal or revival this way: "She's hoping for a rebirth of film photography," or "The money from his dad resulted in the rebirth of his business."
Vocabulary lists containing rebirth
The Vernal Vocabulary of Spring
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"Curtis Aikens and the American Dream" and "Go For It!"
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Jimmy Carter, Speech from July 15, 1979
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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.
See Examples For:
"With this change, this rebirth we are experiencing as a country...it's a different atmosphere, more peaceful, more enjoyable, and with greater freedom of expression," said Sosa.
From Barron's ● Aug. 17, 2026
It sputtered but eventually had a rebirth as an online gaming site with a sizable audience in Brazil.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 15, 2026
He admitted to being fascinated by fire, and that "things that go through fire experience a kind of rebirth," a detective said in the document.
From Barron's ● Aug. 7, 2026
Oddly, the fire ushered in a new era for Dan Tana’s — a rebirth, even.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026
The prospect was of a rebirth, a triumphant return.
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
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Doyle has called Frick one of her “dearest friends,” writing that through “countless rebirths and untamings,” Frick has been her “constant champion, advocate and ambassador.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026
He was helped by producer Andrew Watt, a 32-year-old who has made pop hits for Post Malone and Miley Cyrus, and overseen grizzled rock rebirths for Iggy Pop and Ozzy Osbourne.
From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2023
But I’ve lived in California many times, and witnessed its rebirths firsthand.
From New York Times ● May 30, 2023
The documentary traces the rise and multiple rebirths of Carlin, from mainstream, groomed comic in a skinny tie and slicked-back hair to bearded, long-haired provocateur.
From Seattle Times ● May 20, 2022
The Hindu religion is the only one of the world’s great faiths dedicated to the idea that the Cosmos itself undergoes an immense, indeed an infinite, number of deaths and rebirths.
From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan
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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.