reborn
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of reborn
Explanation
Since "re" means "again," to be reborn means to be "born again." Since no one really has the chance to experience their birth a second time around, to be reborn means to undergo a meaningful spiritual change. In certain Fundamentalist and Evangelical Christian churches, congregants choose a time to be baptized, or ritually admitted to the church, and it's at that moment they consider themselves to be reborn. This idea is rooted in a section of the Bible's New Testament, commonly translated so that Jesus says, "no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
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.
OK here’s an excuse: I got myself wound up after watching Philadelphia edge the Celtics in seven games with a reborn Joel Embiid and Paul George.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026
These failed institutions could be reborn and their assets used to create the educational environments today’s students need.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026
The tagline on a bag of salt and pepper pistachios in my cabinet reads, “300-year-old recipe — reborn in California.”
From Salon • May 6, 2026
This hotel, born as a motel in 1947, was reborn as a boutique property in 2024.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
“And if Alcyoneus has been reborn in Alaska—” “Then he can’t be defeated there,” Hazel finished.
From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan
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.
