What does rerun mean?
Rerun means to run something again or, as a noun, an instance of doing so. The word is especially common in technical and everyday contexts: a command can be rerun, a race or broadcast can be rerun, and a test can be rerun after a problem is fixed. In computing, the term often refers to repeating a failed or superseded process so that it starts afresh; in media, it can mean showing a broadcast again, though “replay” may sound more natural for a recorded programme. As a noun, a “rerun” is the second execution or repeat itself, such as a rerun of an election, workflow, or production. The expression is neutral in tone and widely used in both British and American English. Its usefulness lies in its directness: it identifies not merely repetition in general, but repetition involving another run of something.
To run or perform something again, especially a test, command, race, broadcast, or other process.
"The analyst reran the model using the updated data."
Often used in technical contexts to indicate repeating a process from the beginning, typically after correcting a problem.
An occurrence or instance of running something again; a repeat performance, broadcast, race, or computer job.
"The election rerun was postponed because of a voting irregularity."
The plural form is used for separate repeated events, performances, or executions.
"The station scheduled several reruns of the award ceremony."
When a test fails, “rerun” is the button that gives the idea a second chance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rerun come from?
Rerun is an English compound formed from re- and run. The prefix re-, ultimately from Latin, means “again,” while run continues the Old English verb rinnan and is cognate with Dutch rennen and German rennen. The compound's basic meaning, “run again,” has extended by analogy to films, broadcasts, races, commands, and other processes.
Related word forms
How rerun is actually used
The word is neutral and especially common in technical contexts, where it often implies repeating a process from the beginning after a failure or change. It is usually written as one word, although “re-run” is also used.
Easily confused with rerun
A rerun repeats an action or process, while a replay usually refers specifically to playing recorded audio or video again.