What does remaking mean?
Remaking is the present participle of remake and means creating something again, usually with significant changes. It is often used when a film, television programme, song, book, or other creative work is being given a new version, although it can also describe rebuilding or redesigning an object, system, or idea. The word suggests transformation rather than simple repetition: the new version usually preserves some connection to the original while altering its style, quality, format, or historical context. In everyday use, remaking a successful film often implies an attempt to renew a familiar idea for contemporary audiences. The related noun can refer to the process itself, as in “the remaking of the building,” or to a new version produced from an earlier work.
To make or produce something again, especially in a changed or improved form.
"The production company is remaking the successful television series."
Often used for creative works and commercial products, where a new version is based on an existing one.
The act or process of making something again, or a new version produced from an existing work.
"The remaking of the old theatre was intended to preserve its historic character."
As a noun, it is less frequent than the verb form and is usually used with “the” and a phrase identifying what is being remade.
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon; most uses prefer a singular construction such as “the remaking of the original.”
"The museum documented the remakings of the sculpture throughout the twentieth century."
Before streaming made reboots routine, remaking meant taking an old story and giving it a bold new life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does remaking come from?
The word combines the prefix re-, meaning again, with the Old English word macian, “to make,” which developed into modern English make. Remaking therefore literally means making again. The suffix -ing follows the usual English pattern for a present participle and, when used as a noun, for an ongoing or completed process.
Related word forms
How remaking is actually used
The word is neutral in register and is commonly used for creative works, products, and projects. In entertainment contexts, it often suggests a version based on an existing work rather than an entirely original creation.
Easily confused with remaking
“Remaking” is the present participle of “remake” and can describe the act or process of making something again; “remake” is the corresponding verb form or the resulting new version.