retread

1 of 3

verb (1)

re·​tread (ˌ)rē-ˈtred 

retreaded; retreading

transitive verb

1

: to bond or vulcanize a new tread to the prepared surface of (a worn tire)

2

: to make over as if new

retread an old plot

retread

2 of 3

noun

re·​tread ˈrē-ˌtred 

1

: a retreaded tire

2

: something made or done again especially in slightly altered form : remake

3

a

: one (such as a retired person) who is recalled or retrained for work

b

: one (such as an athlete) who has previously held the same or a similar position

re-tread

3 of 3

verb (2)

(ˌ)rē-ˈtred 

re-trod (ˌ)rē-ˈträd  ; re-trodden (ˌ)rē-ˈträ-dᵊn  or re-trod; re-treading

transitive verb

: to tread again

Examples of retread in a Sentence

Noun

The show is just another TV sitcom retread.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Lanthimos retreads the daring social perspective of Todd Solondz (Storytelling, Life During Wartime, Palindromes, Dark Horse) but lacks Solondz’s empathic wit and insight into American manners. —Armond White, National Review, 21 June 2024

At its worst, stories like that of Morgan Elsbeth and Ahsoka Tano feel disjointed and redundant, retreading old ground while losing steam as the series tries to cover decades’ worth of franchise lore in three episodes. —Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 4 June 2024

Noun

The band is no retro revival act, though, and galaxies away from any tired retread. —Kim Kelly, SPIN, 18 June 2024

Advertisement Television Review: ‘3 Body Problem’ is an alien invasion story that doesn’t feel like a retread March 20, 2024 With a blinking universe, an eye in the sky and an oil tanker sliced like deli meat, the eight-part series varies from the novel in significant ways. —Jordan Riefe, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2024

Verb

That familiar setup doesn’t mean the record is a re-tread of familiar territory, though, as Stapleton is looser, bolder and surer of himself, a recipe making this his best project yet. —Brittney McKenna, SPIN, 10 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1605, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

retread

1 of 2 verb

re·​tread (ˈ)rē-ˈtred 

retreaded; retreading

1

: to put a new tread on (a worn tire)

2

: to make over as if new

retread an old plot

retread

2 of 2 noun

re·​tread ˈrē-ˌtred 

1

: a retreaded tire

2

: something made or done again especially in a slightly altered form