What does reran mean?
Rerun means to run or execute something a second time. The word is especially common when referring to repeating a test, computer program, experiment, race, or other organized process. It can describe correcting an unsuccessful attempt, deliberately repeating a procedure for confirmation, or restarting something that was interrupted. In everyday conversation, people may say 'run it again' rather than 'rerun it,' while the prefixed form is useful in professional and technical writing. As the past tense of rerun, it describes an action that has already taken place and is particularly natural in reports about testing, computing, research, and competition.
verbTo run something again, especially a program, process, machine, or race. The past tense of rerun.
- To run something again, such as a test, program, race, or process.
"They had to rerun the test after discovering a problem with the equipment."
"The technician reran the diagnostic test."
"The race was rerun after the runners crossed the finish line together."
The word 'rerun' captures the modern need to repeat a digital process with the same simple command.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of reran
The word is formed from the prefix re-, meaning 'again,' and the verb run. The prefixed form has been in use since the early 20th century, initially in contexts such as repeating a race or process. It follows the ordinary English pattern of forming a new verb with re- and retaining the irregular past tense of run.
Related word forms
How reran is actually used
Commonly used in technical, academic, administrative, and sporting contexts. It can sound more formal than 'run again' in everyday speech.