rejoin

¹ American  

[ree-join] / riˈdʒɔɪn /

verb (used with object)

1. to come again into the company of.

   to rejoin a party after a brief absence.

2. to join together again; reunite.

---

verb (used without object)

1. to become joined together again.

rejoin ² American  

[ri-join] / rɪˈdʒɔɪn /

verb (used with object)

1. to say in answer; reply, especially to counterreply.

---

verb (used without object)

1. to answer; reply, especially to counterreply.

   Synonyms:

   retort, respond

2. Law. to answer a plaintiff's replication.

rejoin ¹ British  

/ riːˈdʒɔɪn /

verb

1. to come again into company with (someone or something)

2. (tr) to put or join together again; reunite

---

rejoin ² British  

/ rɪˈdʒɔɪn /

verb

1. to say (something) in reply; answer, reply, or retort

2. law to answer (a claimant's reply)

---

Etymology

Origin of rejoin¹

First recorded in 1535–45; re- + join

Origin of rejoin²

1425–75; late Middle English rejoinen < Anglo-French rejoyner, variant of Middle French rejoindre, equivalent to re- re- + joindre to join

Explanation

To rejoin is to reunite or reconnect with, the way you rejoin your friends at the amusement park after they get off the terrifying rollercoaster. When you go away from someone and then meet up again, you rejoin them. You can also rejoin a club or organization: "I quit band in sixth grade but decided to rejoin this year." In a courtroom, to rejoin is to respond to a plaintiff's statement — it's sometimes described as a reply to a reply. A less common meaning is "sharp, quick response." When one kindergartener calls another "stinky," she might rejoin, "I know you are, but what am I?"

Example Sentences

Mr. Stein recounts how Spalding hoped to induce star players in the Players’ League to rejoin the National League.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Lance Barber will eventually rejoin as screenwriter Paulie G., Valerie’s old nemesis.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

The four-time champion had an off at Turn Five on his first lap out of the pits but was able to rejoin.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp said this week Koepka's decision to leave LIV last month had prompted officials to consider how they handled the issue of embracing players who wanted to rejoin.

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

Rémy rushes me along to rejoin the tail end of the royal group, and I lose my chance.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

• reunite