reincarnation

American  

[ree-in-kahr-ney-shuhn] / ˌri ɪn kɑrˈneɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the belief that the soul, upon death of the body, comes back to earth in another body or form.

2. rebirth of the soul in a new body.

3. a new incarnation or embodiment, as of a person.

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reincarnation British  

/ ˌriːɪnkɑːˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. the belief that on the death of the body the soul transmigrates to or is born again in another body

2. the incarnation or embodiment of a soul in a new body after it has left the old one at physical death

3. embodiment again in a new form, as of a principle or idea

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reincarnation Cultural  

1. Being reborn in another body. Several religions, including Hinduism, believe that the human spirit returns to Earth in different forms again and again as it strives for perfection.

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Other Word Forms

• reincarnationist noun

Etymology

Origin of reincarnation

First recorded in 1855–60; re- + incarnation

Compare meaning

How does reincarnation compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• rebirth vs. reincarnation

Example Sentences

Tibetan Buddhists believe he is the 14th reincarnation of a spiritual leader first born in 1391.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

I believe in reincarnation, and I was definitely from over there in my last life.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 26, 2025

As a guy who says he believes in reincarnation, Adomian thinks that living beings — politicians included — will always reap what they sow.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2025

I'm not a firm believer in reincarnation or any mystical business, but when you notice a detail like that while somebody is treating you poorly, it makes a dreadful situation feel that much worse.

From Salon • Dec. 6, 2024

Of late, the scruffy yellow, snake-eating reincarnation of Cleofes Apodaca had taken to accompanying Joe into the shed.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols