rebound

American  

[ri-bound, ree-bound, ree-bound, ri-bound] / rɪˈbaʊnd, ˈriˈbaʊnd, ˈriˌbaʊnd, rɪˈbaʊnd /

verb (used without object)

1. to bound or spring back from force of impact.

2. to recover, as from ill health or discouragement.

3. Basketball. to gain hold of rebounds.

   a forward who rebounds well off the offensive board.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cause to bound back; cast back.

2. Basketball. to gain hold of (a rebound).

   The guard rebounded the ball in backcourt.

noun

1. the act of rebounding; recoil.

2. Basketball.

   1. a ball that bounces off the backboard or the rim of the basket.

   2. an instance of gaining hold of such a ball.

3. Ice Hockey. a puck that bounces off the gear or person of a goalkeeper attempting to make a save.

idioms

1. on the rebound,

   1. after bouncing off the ground, a wall, etc..

      He hit the ball on the rebound.

   2. after being rejected by another.

      She didn't really love him; she married him on the rebound.

rebound British  

verb

1. to spring back, as from a sudden impact

2. to misfire, esp so as to hurt the perpetrator

   the plan rebounded

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noun

1. the act or an instance of rebounding

2. 1. in the act of springing back

   2. informal in a state of recovering from rejection, disappointment, etc

      he married her on the rebound from an unhappy love affair

rebound More Idioms  

1. see on the rebound.

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Etymology

Origin of rebound

1300–50; Middle English (v.) < Middle French rebondir, equivalent to Old French re- re- + bondir to bound ²

Explanation

To rebound is to come back from a slump. You might rebound from an illness, or your country might rebound from an economic recession. Like many words that start with the prefix re, rebound involves something happening again. In this case, to rebound is to bounce back to a previous state or condition. When you start to feel happy again after your heart gets broken, you rebound. If the stock market crashes and then returns to a healthy level, it rebounds.

Example Sentences

Monday's data "sent a clear warning signal to those expecting a rebound in domestic demand," Alicia Garcia-Herrero, Asia-Pacific chief economist at Natixis, told AFP.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

The strong reception comes after enthusiasm for AI companies and chip hardware helped the S&P 500 and the tech-laden Nasdaq composite rebound quickly from Iran war concerns and soar to new records.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

A shot blocked, another shot saved, on the rebound - a goal.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

Dostal made the stop but the rebound hit the skate of Ducks defenseman Ian Moore and bounced to Hertl, who nudged it into the net as he tumbled to the ice.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

Linton sees considerable similarities between his own capacity to rebound and Reggie’s ability.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

Related Words

• overcome
• pick up
• revive