What does redelivery mean?
Redelivery means delivering or attempting to deliver something again. The word is especially common when a package, letter, document, or message has not reached its intended recipient or needs to be supplied for a second time. It may describe arranging a repeated attempt or the repeated delivery itself, and is often used in postal, courier, publishing, and administrative settings. Unlike delivery, which simply names the act of bringing something to its destination, redelivery emphasizes repetition or a subsequent attempt. The prefix re- indicates that an earlier delivery has already taken place or been attempted. In everyday conversation, people may simply say “delivery” when discussing another delivery attempt, but redelivery is the more precise term when the repeated nature of the action matters.
nounThe act of delivering something again, or the repeated delivery of a message, package, document, or other item. It can also refer to the second or subsequent delivery attempt.
- The act of delivering something again or making a repeated delivery attempt.
- A further or subsequent delivery of a message, package, document, or other item.
"The courier arranged a redelivery for the parcel that could not be left at the door."
"The customer requested redelivery of the documents after receiving them incomplete."
"The service will attempt redelivery on the next working day if the first delivery fails."
The plural is used when referring to multiple repeated deliveries or delivery attempts.
"The courier recorded several redeliveries at the customer’s address."
Redelivery gives a second chance to the delivery process: what missed the first attempt can still reach its destination.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does redelivery come from?
Redelivery is formed by combining the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with delivery, which comes from the Latin word deliverre, meaning “to bring forth” or “to deliver.” The compound follows the ordinary English pattern of forming a new noun with re- and an existing noun. Its relatives include deliver and deliverable, while delivery itself provides the base meaning of bringing or handing over something.
Related word forms
How redelivery is actually used
The term is most common in delivery, postal, logistics, publishing, and formal administrative contexts. It can refer either to repeating the delivery itself or to scheduling another attempt after an unsuccessful delivery.
Easily confused with redelivery
A delivery is the act of bringing an item or message to its destination, while a redelivery is a delivery that is repeated or attempted again.