born-again

adjective

ˈbȯrn-ə-ˈgen How to pronounce born-again (audio)
-ˈgin,
-ˈgān
1
: of, relating to, or being a usually Christian person who has made a renewed or confirmed commitment of faith especially after an intense religious experience
2
: having returned to or newly adopted an activity, a conviction, or a persona especially with a proselytizing zeal
a born-again conservative

Examples of born-again in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Dear Eric: My brother and his family are born-again Christian. R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 2 Aug. 2024 Loading your audio article Dear Eric: My brother and his family are born-again Christian. R Eric Thomas, Baltimore Sun, 2 Aug. 2024 Monthly or weekly churchgoers have gone from 67% of Republicans to 53% over the past decade or so, and the share of Republicans who are born-again has declined from 31% to 26%. Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 17 July 2024 The 2011 film starred Samuel L. Jackson as Black, an ex-convict and born-again Christian who tries to dissuade White (Tommy Lee Jones, who also directed) from suicide. Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 13 June 2023 But Owen is no less fascinating, Pullman’s sharp turn pinned to where dissatisfaction leads the weak-willed (which could also be applied to Jem’s dad, and Simpson’s ultrafine portrayal of a wrecked born-again addicted to the fumes of his old life). Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2023 Chelsea was closer with the girls on her team, fashion-types who, in a past life, were Midwest Christian-types born-again in fuzzy pink cardigans and Dries boots. ELLE, 26 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'born-again.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from the verse "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God" John 3:3 (King James Version)

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of born-again was in 1861

Dictionary Entries Near born-again

Cite this Entry

“Born-again.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/born-again. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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