rejoin

¹ American  

[ree-join] / riˈdʒɔɪn /

verb (used with object)

1. to come again into the company of.

   to rejoin a party after a brief absence.

2. to join together again; reunite.

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verb (used without object)

1. to become joined together again.

rejoin ² American  

[ri-join] / rɪˈdʒɔɪn /

verb (used with object)

1. to say in answer; reply, especially to counterreply.

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verb (used without object)

1. to answer; reply, especially to counterreply.

   Synonyms:

   retort, respond

2. Law. to answer a plaintiff's replication.

rejoin ¹ British  

/ riːˈdʒɔɪn /

verb

1. to come again into company with (someone or something)

2. (tr) to put or join together again; reunite

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rejoin ² British  

/ rɪˈdʒɔɪn /

verb

1. to say (something) in reply; answer, reply, or retort

2. law to answer (a claimant's reply)

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Etymology

Origin of rejoin¹

First recorded in 1535–45; re- + join

Origin of rejoin²

1425–75; late Middle English rejoinen < Anglo-French rejoyner, variant of Middle French rejoindre, equivalent to re- re- + joindre to join

Explanation

To rejoin is to reunite or reconnect with, the way you rejoin your friends at the amusement park after they get off the terrifying rollercoaster. When you go away from someone and then meet up again, you rejoin them. You can also rejoin a club or organization: "I quit band in sixth grade but decided to rejoin this year." In a courtroom, to rejoin is to respond to a plaintiff's statement — it's sometimes described as a reply to a reply. A less common meaning is "sharp, quick response." When one kindergartener calls another "stinky," she might rejoin, "I know you are, but what am I?"

Example Sentences

McMurdock sits as an independent for South Basildon and East Thurrock, which includes Corringham, and he confirmed he would like to rejoin the party.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

During his visit, Doncic told Goltes he wanted to bring Gabriela to the United States when he returned to rejoin the Lakers, according to reports.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

Spurned by its mother, Punch was raised in an artificial environment after being born in July, and began training to rejoin his troop earlier this year.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

The PGA Tour introduced a “Returning Member Program” to allow players who joined LIV Golf to rejoin, starting with Brooks Koepka.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

The skin on his arms had become dry and flaky, as if his body were preparing itself to rejoin the earth.

From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli

Related Words

• reunite