rebound

[ri-bound, ree-bound, ree-bound, ri-bound]

verb (used without object)

1. to bound or spring back from force of impact.

2. to recover, as from ill health or discouragement.

3. Basketball.,  to gain hold of rebounds.

   a forward who rebounds well off the offensive board.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to bound back; cast back.

2. Basketball.,  to gain hold of (a rebound).

   The guard rebounded the ball in backcourt.

noun

1. the act of rebounding; recoil.

2. Basketball.

   1. a ball that bounces off the backboard or the rim of the basket.

   2. an instance of gaining hold of such a ball.

3. Ice Hockey.,  a puck that bounces off the gear or person of a goalkeeper attempting to make a save.

rebound

verb

1. to spring back, as from a sudden impact

2. to misfire, esp so as to hurt the perpetrator

   the plan rebounded

noun

1. the act or an instance of rebounding

2. 1. in the act of springing back

   2. informal,  in a state of recovering from rejection, disappointment, etc

      he married her on the rebound from an unhappy love affair

Word History and Origins

Origin of rebound¹

1300–50; Middle English (v.) < Middle French rebondir, equivalent to Old French re- re- + bondir to bound ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of rebound¹

C14: from Old French rebondir , from _re- + bondir to _bound ²

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on the rebound,

   1. after bouncing off the ground, a wall, etc..

      He hit the ball on the rebound.

   2. after being rejected by another.

      She didn't really love him; she married him on the rebound.

see on the rebound.

Example Sentences

She’s known for her sharp arrival looks as much as her rebounding prowess among women’s basketball fans and she even served as a member of the 2025 Met Gala’s host committee.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Something’s gotta give—either economic growth softens to match a soft labor market, or the labor market rebounds to match stronger economic growth,” he said.

Read more on Barron's

Analysts expect a reversion, with quality stocks, including IBM, Cisco, and Dell, poised to rebound due to attractive valuations and strong growth.

Read more on Barron's

A growing glut of oil and fear of a global economic slowdown have pushed U.S. crude prices to their lowest point since fuel markets were rebounding from the Covid crash.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Economists at the association are anticipating a rebound in sales and prices next year, although both will remain at subdued levels relative to peaks reached early this decade.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• overcome 
• pick up 
• revive