retelling

1 of 2

noun

re·​tell·​ing (ˌ)rē-ˈte-liŋ How to pronounce retelling (audio)
: a new version of a story
a retelling of a Greek legend

retelling

2 of 2

present participle of retell

Examples of retelling 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.
Noun
Ink finds the Sinners star playing ruthless tabloid editor Larry Lamb in Boyle’s retelling of what happened when Rupert Murdoch acquired struggling British newspaper The Sun. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 This fall marks the 20th anniversary of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, the cult classic, semi-anachronistic retelling of the young queen’s life of luxury and lovelessness in 18th-century France. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026 After her grandfather Elia Kazan adapted John Steinbeck’s novel into a celebrated film, Zoe Kazan is taking a crack at a newer retelling of the family saga. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026 In fact, in this retelling, their free will and autonomy are essential elements of that virtuous cycle, rather than subjugated by it. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retelling

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retelling was in 1883

Rhymes for retelling

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Browse Nearby Words

retell
retelling
retem
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Cite this Entry

“Retelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retelling. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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