retread

[ verb ree-tred; noun ree-tred ]

verb (used with object)

, re·tread·ed, re·tread·ing.

1. to put a new tread on (a worn pneumatic tire casing) either by recapping or by cutting fresh treads in the smooth surface.
2. to repeat or do over, especially without the boldness or inventiveness of the original.

noun

1. a tire that has been retreaded.
2. Slang. a person returned to active work after retirement, dismissal, etc.
3. a person retrained for a new or more modern job or task.
4. Informal. a repeating, reviving, or reworking of an old or familiar idea, presentation, story, etc., especially when unimaginative or hackneyed; rehash:

   a boring retread of a classic movie.

5. Slang. a person representing older or previous times, ideas, policies, etc., especially when they are deemed passé or tiresome.

retread

verb

1. tr another word for remould

noun

1. another word for remould
2. informal.
   a pensioner who has resumed employment, esp in a former profession
3. a film, piece of music, etc, which is a superficially altered version of an earlier original

Word History and Origins

Origin of retread¹

First recorded in 1885–90; re- + tread

Example Sentences

But the new stage show isn’t just a retread of professional highlights and clever punchlines.

From Los Angeles Times

You have your method, you already knew there were going to be some specific challenges for both, in terms of finding a new way to tell Trump's story that isn't a retread.

From Salon

Musty retreads of Ibsen and Chekhov, besides being counter to the maverick spirit of their play, can be soporific endurance tests.

From Los Angeles Times

Pitchfork's Olivia Horn said Swift was "largely retreading old territory", an accusation echoed by Rolling Stone's Larisha Paul, who said the star was "going through the motions while running in place".

From BBC

“Crooked Joe is so mentally deficient that he needs to trot out some retreads like Clinton and Obama,” he said.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• compensate for
• correct
• heal
• improve
• mend
• overhaul
• patch
• rebuild
• recover
• rectify
• refurbish
• remedy
• renovate
• retrieve
• revamp
• revive