What does regrowth mean?
Regrowth means the growth of something again after it has been cut, removed, destroyed, or otherwise reduced. The word is especially common when discussing vegetation returning after clearing, fire, drought, or grazing, and it can also describe hair or tissue growing back. In broader contexts, regrowth may refer to the recovery of an industry, community, or system after a decline. As a noun, it can denote either the renewed growth itself or the process of growing again. The related verb regrow means to grow again, while regrown is its past participle. Regrowth is generally neutral, though it can carry a slightly positive sense when used of natural recovery and a more clinical or cautionary sense in medical or environmental discussions.
nounThe growth of something again after it has been cut, removed, destroyed, or otherwise diminished. It may also refer to the renewed growth itself.
- The renewed growth of vegetation, hair, tissue, or another organic material after it has been cut, removed, or damaged.
- The process or act of growing again after a reduction, interruption, or destruction.
"The forest's regrowth after the fire was gradual but remarkably vigorous."
"The regrowth of the grass was visible within a few weeks of the rainfall."
"Doctors monitored the regrowth of the tumor through regular scans."
Usually used as a mass noun; the plural regrowths is uncommon.
"The different regrowths of the damaged plants varied widely."
Regrowth is nature’s second chance: after cutting, fire, or damage, living tissue can begin again.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does regrowth come from?
Regrowth was formed in English by combining the prefix re-, meaning again, with growth, from the Old English root associated with growing. The formation reflects the straightforward idea of growth occurring a second time after an interruption or reduction. It is related to the Germanic vocabulary represented by grow, growth, and grown, as well as to cognates in other Germanic languages.
Related word forms
How regrowth is actually used
Regrowth is commonly used for vegetation, hair, and biological tissue, and can also describe economic or organizational recovery in more figurative contexts. It is usually neutral and descriptive.
Easily confused with regrowth
Regrowth is a noun naming renewed growth or the process of growing again, whereas regrow is the verb meaning to grow again.