relocate

American  

[ree-loh-keyt, ree-loh-keyt] / riˈloʊ keɪt, ˌri loʊˈkeɪt /

verb (used with object)

relocated, relocating

1. to move (a building, company, etc.) to a different location.

   plans to relocate the firm to Houston.

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verb (used without object)

relocated, relocating

1. to change one's residence or place of business; move.

   Next year we may relocate to Denver.

relocate British  

/ ˌriːləʊˈkeɪt /

verb

1. to move or be moved to a new place, esp (of an employee, a business, etc) to a new area or place of employment

2. (intr) (of an employee, a business, etc) to move for reasons of business to a new area or place of employment

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Other Word Forms

• relocation noun

Etymology

Origin of relocate

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; re- + locate

Explanation

When you relocate, you move to a new location and settle into a new place. If you live in New York City but you get a job in Phoenix, you'll have to relocate to Arizona to start your new career. The word relocate came into English in the 1800s from re, meaning "back, again," and locate, meaning "to settle." Relocate refers not only to moving to a new place but also to establishing yourself there. It typically involves finding a new place to live, making new friends, finding your way around your new town or city — even getting cable TV installed. For some people, this can be an exciting adventure; for others, it's a daunting challenge of to-do lists.

Example Sentences

It may well be that the duo have decided to relocate to one of their other impressive properties, which include a home in London and a countryside retreat in upstate New York.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

The Defense Department responded by saying it would instead relocate media offices to an “annex” outside the Pentagon.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

The State Department is negotiating with countries in Africa and Asia to relocate over 1,100 Afghans stranded in Qatar after U.S. travel restrictions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

"Then the government should build houses and relocate them to the new site."

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Those who lose jobs or decline promotions to let the children finish high school where they currently are sometimes relocate in place.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times