reincarnation

noun

re·​in·​car·​na·​tion ˌrē-(ˌ)in-(ˌ)kär-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce reincarnation (audio)
Synonyms of reincarnationnext
1
a
: the action of reincarnating : the state of being reincarnated
b
: rebirth in new bodies or forms of life
especially : a rebirth of a soul in a new human body
2
: a fresh embodiment

Examples of reincarnation in a Sentence

Many people believe in reincarnation.
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.
The Dalai Lama has said his successor could be born outside China and that only his office has the authority to recognize his reincarnation. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 The spiritual leader and Nobel peace laureate has said his office will have the sole authority to identify his reincarnation, who will be found outside China. — CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 Shoma’s investigation of Varsha’s reincarnation, and Dinu’s investigation of Shoma, give the first part of Ghost-Eye a satisfyingly retrospective quality. — Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026 When foreign governments are pressed to support the CCP’s right to oversee the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation, the true objective is rarely about religion. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reincarnation

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of reincarnation was in 1845

Rhymes for reincarnation

See All Rhymes for reincarnation

Browse Nearby Words

reincarnate
reincarnation
reincarnationist
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Cite this Entry

“Reincarnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reincarnation. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reincarnation

noun
re·​in·​car·​na·​tion (ˌ)rē-ˌin-ˌkär-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce reincarnation (audio)
1
: the action of reincarnating : the state of being reincarnated
2
: rebirth in new bodies or forms of life
especially : a rebirth of a soul in a new human body
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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