What does rewind mean?
Rewind is a familiar verb meaning to move recorded material backward to an earlier point, as with a tape, video, or digital recording. It may also describe returning a situation or discussion to a previous state, though such figurative uses can imply reconsidering a decision or undoing recent developments. The word is strongly associated with older playback technology, especially cassette tapes and video recorders, but remains common in modern digital interfaces, where a rewind button or rewind command is standard. As a noun, a rewind is the act of moving backward through a recording or sequence. The term can sound practical and neutral in technical contexts, while its figurative uses often carry a suggestion of correction, reconsideration, or returning to an earlier stage.
To move a recording, film, or other sequence backward to an earlier point, or to return a situation or discussion to a previous state.
"She rewound the recording and listened to the conversation again."
Common in both technical and figurative contexts; with recordings, it often refers to returning to the start or an earlier passage.
The act of moving a recording or sequence backward, or a device or control used to do so.
"The machine stopped after a rewind brought it back to the opening scene."
The plural is used for separate acts of rewinding or for multiple rewind mechanisms or controls.
"The editor completed several rewinds while checking the footage."
Rewind borrowed the old idea of winding a tape back onto its reel to create the familiar command for returning recorded material to an earlier point.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How rewind is actually used
The verb is standard in British and American English. It is especially common in discussions of tapes, videos, recordings, and playback controls; in figurative use, it often suggests revisiting a decision or restoring an earlier position.
Easily confused with rewind
Rewind means to move recorded material backward, whereas wind means to twist or turn something around.