What does reheated mean?
Reheated describes something that has been heated a second time, usually after cooling or after the original preparation. The word is especially common in connection with leftovers, prepared meals, soups, sauces, and other foods that may need warming before serving. As a verb, reheated refers to the act of applying heat again, as in reheating soup or leftovers. It is a straightforward compound formed from the prefix re-, meaning “again,” and the verb heat. Although reheated food is often less fresh than food prepared from scratch, reheating can make leftovers more enjoyable and convenient. The term is neutral in everyday English and is used in both British and American usage, with foods such as pizza, rice, pasta, and reheated meals frequently appearing in this context.
Heated again after cooling or after an earlier preparation.
"We ate the reheated casserole for dinner."
Most often used for food and especially leftovers or previously prepared dishes.
To heat food or another substance for a second time.
"Please reheat the soup before serving it."
In the kitchen and in food preparation, this often means warming previously cooked food rather than cooking it from raw.
Reheating gives yesterday's leftovers a fresh lease on life—and usually takes only a few minutes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reheated come from?
The word is formed from the English prefix re-, meaning “again,” and the verb heat. The verb heat ultimately comes from Old English hēatan, meaning “to heat” or “to warm,” a word related to forms in several Germanic languages. The combining form reheat developed in modern English and is used for actions performed a second time, as in reheat, reheatable, and reheated.
Related word forms
How reheated is actually used
Reheated is commonly used with food and drinks, but it can describe any substance that has been heated again. In food contexts, it may imply that the food was cooked once and then heated for a later meal.