# rename

/ɹiˈneɪm/ (US) · /ɹɪnˈeɪm/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rename
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to give a person, place, or thing a new name. You do this when the old name no longer fits or you want a fresh start.

For teachers: to assign a new name to an entity, replacing the previous designation. Often involves updating records or digital files to reflect the change.

## Examples

- I need to rename this folder so I can find it later.
- The city council voted to rename the central park after a famous local poet to celebrate the town's history.
- After the merger, the executive board decided to rename the entire corporation to signal a shift toward sustainable energy and distance themselves from past controversies.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object; it often takes a second noun phrase as a complement ('rename X Y').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.