reunion

¹ American  

[ree-yoon-yuhn] / riˈyun yən /

noun

1. the act of uniting again.

2. the state of being united again.

3. a gathering of relatives, friends, or associates at regular intervals or after separation.

   The alumnae parade is a cherished tradition at my college reunion.

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Réunion ² American  

[ree-yoon-yuhn, rey-y-nyawn] / riˈyun yən, reɪ üˈnyɔ̃ /

noun

1. an island in the Indian Ocean, E of Madagascar: an overseas department of France. 970 sq. mi. (2,512 sq. km). St. Denis.

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reunion ¹ British  

/ riːˈjuːnjən /

noun

1. the act or process of coming together again

2. the state or condition of having been brought together again

3. a gathering of relatives, friends, or former associates

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Réunion ² British  

/ reynjɔ̃, riːˈjuːnjən /

noun

1. an island in the Indian Ocean, in the Mascarene Islands: an overseas region of France, having been in French possession since 1642. A number of far-flung and uninhabited islands, some located on the opposite side of Madagascar, were also politically part of Réunion until 2007, when they were transferred to the French Southern and Antarctic Territories. Capital: Saint-Denis. Pop: 767 000 (2004 est). Area: 2510 sq km (970 sq miles)

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Etymology

Origin of reunion

First recorded in 1600–10; re- + union

Explanation

A reunion usually refers to a gathering of folks who haven't seen each other for a long time. High school reunions are notorious for reuniting middle aged people who are anxious to relive their high school years. Since a union is a state of togetherness — like a marriage — a reunion is when people get back together after some sort of separation. This could refer to a political reunification — like the reunion of East and West Germany as one nation — but it's usually smaller in scale. At high school and college reunions, people see friends they haven’t seen for years. A reunion doesn't have to be so official. Seeing any friend after an absence is a reunion.

Example Sentences

Chad Olson was confused when his Gemini artificial-intelligence chatbot told him he had a family reunion planning session marked on his calendar.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Missing out on the reunion is Sullivan, who has retired from acting and declined to participate in the project.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Hosted by actor Casey Wilson, the reunion is an upbeat, feel-good affair, highlighting some of Season 1’s most memorable moments and faces.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

He had been due to appear as the "special guest DJ" for both of the Irish boyband's Two For The Road reunion gigs.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

The reunion, the sweat, the long day had all taken their toll.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline

Related Words

• homecoming
• reconciliation