refresh
Americanverb (used with object)
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to provide new vigor and energy by rest, food, etc. (often used reflexively).
- Synonyms:
- revive
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to stimulate (the memory).
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to make fresh again; reinvigorate or cheer (a person, the mind, spirits, etc.).
- Antonyms:
- discourage, dispirit
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to freshen in appearance, color, etc., as by a restorative.
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Computers.
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to access (the most recent version of a web page) from the internet instead of from the cache.
I refreshed the page to see the current stock price before executing my online trade.
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to display (an image) repeatedly, as on a CRT, in order to prevent fading.
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to read and write (the contents of dynamic storage) at intervals in order to avoid loss of data.
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verb (used without object)
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to take refreshment, especially food or drink.
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to become fresh or vigorous again; revive.
verb
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(usually tr or reflexive) to make or become fresh or vigorous, as through rest, drink, or food; revive or reinvigorate
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(tr) to enliven (something worn or faded), as by adding new decorations
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(tr) to stimulate (the memory)
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(tr) to replenish, as with new equipment or stores
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computing to display the latest updated version (of a web page or document); reload
Usage
What does refresh mean? To refresh is to reinvigorate, renew, or restore something to its original condition or a better state. In the context of technology, refresh most commonly means to reload a web page or app in order to access the most recent or updated version of a display or feed. Example: It’s amazing how much a hot shower can really refresh your spirit.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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refreshsimple
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refreshessimple
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have refreshedperfect
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has refreshedperfect
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am refreshingprogressive
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are refreshingprogressive
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is refreshingprogressive
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have been refreshingperfect progressive
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has been refreshingperfect progressive
Past
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refreshedsimple
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had refreshedperfect
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was refreshingprogressive
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were refreshingprogressive
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had been refreshingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of refresh
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English refreschen, from Middle French refreschir, Old French. See re-, fresh
Explanation
To refresh is to renew or revive — to make someone feel newly clean or invigorated. After a long, hot run, a glass of lemonade might refresh you. You might refresh yourself by taking a shower or a nap, and you can easily refresh your breath by brushing your teeth. When you refresh your memory, you stimulate it, or get it going: "I looked over my notes to refresh my memory before the quiz." On a computer, you can refresh a page by updating it. Refresh comes from the Old French refreschier, "refresh or renew."
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:
Finally, having dropped their ask to $12.99 million in June 2025, the duo decided to pivot in their strategy, pulling the seven-bedroom, 8.5-bathroom property from the market to carry out a refresh throughout its interior.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 13, 2026
In a press release, external marking the news, the company said "reaching best-in-class quality required a significant talent refresh".
From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026
In space, refresh and repair becomes much harder.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 19, 2026
The company plans to refresh its product mix with modernized packaging and update store experiences for easier shopping.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026
Some nights they crossed small streams, which gave them a chance to refresh themselves, quench their thirst, and soothe their aching feet.
From "Copper Sun" by Sharon M. Draper
In her Danbury workspace, she is surrounded by blueprints for the next wave of store refreshes, some of which include downsizings.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026
At the same time, Dell’s traditional server business should benefit from data-center modernization and refreshes.
From Barron's ● May 14, 2026
“As the portfolio refreshes, that capital will start earning the current interest rate, and that is supplementing their growth,” Nygren says.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 5, 2026
“Tesla’s refreshes are pretty modest, and they’re driven by improving profitability,” said Ed Niedermeyer, who has written a book about Tesla and is working on a follow-up.
From Slate ● Feb. 12, 2025
I know that she likes to hear men boasting, it refreshes them so much.
From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman
The mother called for comprehensive and regularly refreshed training in physical healthcare and resuscitation for mental health staff.
From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026
The outdoor entertaining areas were also refreshed with new landscaping and elegant iron furniture that complements the home’s timeless aesthetic.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 13, 2026
These include deepening the bank’s core market franchise across Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as refreshed strategies within Asean domestic markets, the analyst says.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026
A good night's sleep does far more than leave you feeling refreshed.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 5, 2026
She awoke refreshed, and quite early, in time to get the very first cup of tea from the samovar in the common room.
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
The two halves provide the perfect location for people to swim in this deliciously refreshing picture book for readers ages 4 to 8.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
Matcha and fresh coconut water both feel refreshing and special, making them perfect for afternoon hangs, brunches or any gathering where you want to switch things up from the expected cocktails or beer.
From Salon ● Jul. 12, 2026
Besides free agency opening on Tuesday, the timing does add up for Leonard’s trade, as Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank has steered the franchise through a refreshing youth movement over the past year.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026
He says the cost of a refreshing pint in the soaring Texas temperatures was as high as $20, while a trip to a Texas BBQ restaurant also set him back $129.
From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026
They found this very refreshing, because, to tell the truth, they had got a little tired of canned shrimps.
From "Mr. Popper's Penguins" by Florence Atwater and Richard Atwater
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.
