What does rebroadcast mean?
Rebroadcast means to send out a broadcast again or to relay an existing transmission to another audience. A television channel may rebroadcast a program that was originally shown by another network, while a radio operator may rebroadcast a received signal from a distant station. In modern internet usage, the word can also describe posting or republishing a live or recorded broadcast, although it may suggest that the material is merely being repeated rather than newly produced. As a noun, a rebroadcast is the repeated or second transmission itself. The word combines the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with broadcast, so its meaning follows naturally: something is broadcast a second time or passed along to a new audience. It is especially useful when the distinction between an original broadcast and its later repetition matters.
To broadcast a program, message, or signal again, or to transmit an existing broadcast to another audience.
"The station rebroadcast the match on its secondary network."
The verb is transitive and is used in radio, television, telecommunications, and online-media contexts.
A broadcast made again, or a transmission relayed to another audience.
"The rebroadcast of the interview attracted a larger audience than the original broadcast."
The noun usually refers to the repeated transmission as a whole rather than to the act of rebroadcasting.
The regular plural refers to separate repeated broadcasts or relayed transmissions.
"The network's overnight rebroadcasts include films, documentaries, and old news programs."
Rebroadcast is broadcast with a second beginning: it sends an existing transmission back into the air.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rebroadcast come from?
Rebroadcast is an English compound formed from the prefix re-, meaning “again,” and the word broadcast. The combination follows the ordinary sense of transmitting or presenting something once and then doing so again. Its development parallels the expansion of radio, television, and later digital broadcasting, in which existing transmissions can readily be repeated or relayed.
Related word forms
How rebroadcast is actually used
The word is common in broadcasting, telecommunications, and digital-media contexts. In online discussion, it can also describe republishing content and may imply repetition without adding anything new; in that sense it can sound dismissive. Its basic meaning is the same in British and American English.
Easily confused with rebroadcast
A broadcast is an original transmission, whereas a rebroadcast repeats or relays an existing broadcast.