repopulate

verb

re·​pop·​u·​late (ˌ)rē-ˈpä-pyə-ˌlāt How to pronounce repopulate (audio)
repopulated; repopulating

transitive verb

: to populate (something) again
As cougars repopulate much of their former range, however, they are also encountering humans more frequently.William K. Stevens
… captive breeding programs are helping to repopulate endangered species.Mike Capuzzo
In modern times it was depopulated when distant city jobs attracted its people, then repopulated by city people.Jane Jacobs
Any new bone-marrow cells can survive and repopulate the recipient's defense apparatus provided the markers on the cell surfaces are the same as those of the donor.Lewis Thomas
repopulation noun
The first step is the repopulation of buffalo, the Plains' signature animal. Edmunds V. Bunkse
… even high total doses of radiation … may not be effective in controlling tumors capable of accelerated repopulation, since the rate of cell division may outpace that of cell loss stemming from treatment. Allen S. Lichter et al.

Examples of repopulate 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.
Some have returned home in defiance of the war, while others who never previously lived there have moved to help repopulate the empty kibbutzim. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 30 Dec. 2025 The findings indicate that not only are adults present, but the species has successfully bred and repopulated the area. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 27 Dec. 2025 But along with the environmental success came trepidation among farmers and ranchers who had established lives and businesses in areas that the wolves were now repopulating. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 16 Dec. 2025 The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says bobcats began to repopulate in the mid-1900s, and sightings became more frequent in the early 2000s. Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 6 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for repopulate

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of repopulate was in 1588

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Cite this Entry

“Repopulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repopulate. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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