retelling

1 of 2

noun

: 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
The idea shows up in mythology—from Zeus transforming into every kind of animal to commit adultery to Psyche being warned that her new husband, Eros, would be grotesque—as well as in folklore and countless retellings of Beauty and the Beast. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026 But Kennedy’s film is not a straight retelling of the shooting nor of Baldwin’s criminal cases, which included a 2023 involuntary manslaughter charge that prosecutors later dropped and the second involuntary manslaughter charge that went to trial. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026 Some interpreted that as a purposeful nod to the audience that this wouldn't be a faithful retelling of the story. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Like the epiphany in the park, the story is an invitation into his dizziness, rather than a flipbook retelling of thoughts, and far more resonant for it. — Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retelling. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster