What does regather mean?
Regather means to gather something or someone again, usually after people or objects have been separated, scattered, or interrupted. The verb is especially associated with reuniting a group, as in a team regathering after a break, but it can also describe collecting pieces, supplies, or other materials a second time. Its prefix re- adds the sense of repetition to the basic idea of assembling. Regather often carries a connotation of restoring unity or order, so it can be used figuratively when someone gathers their energy, resources, or thoughts after a difficult period. Although less common than gather, it is readily understood and useful in formal writing, journalism, and literary contexts.
verbTo gather or collect again; to reassemble. It can also mean to collect or assemble material or people once more for a purpose.
- To collect, assemble, or gather together again.
- To bring people or groups back together after a separation or interruption.
"The group regathered at the entrance after the tour was postponed."
"After the storm, residents regathered the scattered belongings."
"The committee regathered to discuss the proposal after the recess."
To regather is to bring scattered people or pieces back together, making the word a vivid picture of restoring order after disruption.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does regather come from?
Regather is a modern English formation built from the prefix re-, meaning again, and gather, meaning to collect or assemble. Gather itself developed in Middle English and is related to older Germanic forms associated with bringing things together. The derived verb regather therefore follows the ordinary English pattern of adding re- to a verb to indicate repetition.
Related word forms
How regather is actually used
Regather is a relatively uncommon but natural formal or literary verb. It is especially used for people or groups returning together and for objects being collected again after they have been separated.
Easily confused with regather
Gather means to collect or assemble, while regather implies doing so again after separation, interruption, or dispersal.