retread

[ree-tred, ree-tred]

verb (used with object)

retreaded, retreading 

1. to put a new tread on (a worn pneumatic tire casing) either by recapping or by cutting fresh treads in the smooth surface.

2. to repeat or do over, especially without the boldness or inventiveness of the original.

noun

1. a tire that has been retreaded.

2. Slang.,  a person returned to active work after retirement, dismissal, etc.

3. a person retrained for a new or more modern job or task.

4. Informal.,  a repeating, reviving, or reworking of an old or familiar idea, presentation, story, etc., especially when unimaginative or hackneyed; rehash.

   a boring retread of a classic movie.

5. Slang.,  a person representing older or previous times, ideas, policies, etc., especially when they are deemed passé or tiresome.

retread

verb

1. (tr) another word for remould

noun

1. another word for remould

2. informal,  a pensioner who has resumed employment, esp in a former profession

3. a film, piece of music, etc, which is a superficially altered version of an earlier original

Word History and Origins

Origin of retread¹

First recorded in 1885–90; re- + tread

Example Sentences

The roster of retreads includes the current occupant of the Oval Office, who is only the second president in U.S. history to regain the perch after losing it four years prior.

From Los Angeles Times

The film is a narrative retread of its predecessor, packed to the brim with callbacks and cameos that seem intended to spark a brief conversation online before burning out entirely, not unlike most Netflix originals.

From Salon

When played side-by-side with the originals, the new self-produced songs never sound like tired retreads but are powered by some contemporary fire in the band’s performances.

From Los Angeles Times

A rebooted reboot also has to be hyper-avoidant of retreading the same territory as a franchise’s first reset, for fear of alienating skeptics even more, which is a move that can very easily backfire.

From Salon

There was only one retread and even that one, a reprise of the standout “Traffic Altercation,” was worth revisiting.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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• correct 
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• overhaul 
• patch 
• rebuild 
• recover 
• rectify 
• refurbish 
• remedy 
• renovate 
• retrieve 
• revamp 
• revive