noun
reprise
ri-PREEZ
Reprise (noun) means a repeated section of a piece of music, especially a return to an earlier tune or song later in a show or album. Example: “The whole cast joins in for a reprise of the opening number.”
noun
1
A repeated section of a piece of music, especially a return to an earlier tune or song later in a show or album.
"The whole cast joins in for a reprise of the opening number."
"Track twelve is a stripped-back reprise of the title song."
2
A second occurrence of something that happened before.
"The final was a reprise of last year's semi-final."
verb
1
To perform or take on a role, act or piece of music again.
"She will reprise her role as the detective in the sequel."
How to use reprise
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing or playing something again, especially a song or a role.
When to use it
Neutral; common in music, theatre and film journalism.
Memory tip
Reprise is a repetition; reprisal is an act of revenge. They are unrelated in meaning.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
reprise a role
a reprise of the theme
final reprise
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The whole cast joins in for a _____ of the opening number.
Etymology
From French reprise "resumption, retaking", from reprendre "to take back", from Latin reprehendere.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for reprise
See all rhymes for reprise →Frequently asked questions
How is reprise pronounced?
It is said ri-PREEZ, rhyming with please, because the word comes straight from French. The spelling looks like prize, but the s stays soft.
What is the difference between a reprise and a remix?
A reprise is a return to the same material, usually performed again with a different mood, tempo or singer. A remix is an existing recording rebuilt with new production, so the original performance is still in there.
What is the meaning of reprise?
"reprise" (noun) means a repeated section of a piece of music, especially a return to an earlier tune or song later in a show or album.
What is another word for reprise?
Other words for "reprise" include repeat, recurrence, refrain, revisit, resume, reenact.
