rename

verb

re·​name (ˌ)rē-ˈnām How to pronounce rename (audio)
renamed; renaming
Synonyms of renamenext

transitive verb

: to give (someone or something) a new name
renamed the street in honor of the late mayor
… a 16-year-old who left the Orthodox life a year ago. He has renamed himself Adam to cement the break …—Ron Kampeas
The program was actually a relatively simple … script that renames files on your hard drive …—Michael J. Miller

Examples of rename in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As part of the move, the company will be renamed Lempriere Wells Harrington. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 As part of Banijay and All3Media’s merger, which closed in July, the new joint entity inherited All3Media’s stand, which has been renamed Banijay Terrace and is being used for overspill. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 In 2016, the project, which is still largely owned by Google’s parent company, was renamed Waymo. — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 That Elon Musk was quick to jump on board, promising to rename SpaceXAI to SpaceXSI, isn’t surprising. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rename

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rename was in 1579

Rhymes for rename

See All Rhymes for rename

Browse Nearby Words

renal splanchnic nerve
rename
Renan
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rename.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rename. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rename

verb
re·​name
(ˈ)rē-ˈnām
: to give a new name to

More from Merriam-Webster on rename

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