What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
replay
Example
I missed the game last night, so I'm going to watch the replay. [replay: noun]
Example
Can you replay that part of the lecture? I didn't catch it. [replay: verb]
rerun
Example
I've seen this episode before, it's a rerun. [rerun: noun]
Example
Let's rerun the experiment to see if we get the same results. [rerun: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rerun is more commonly used than replay in everyday language, especially in the context of TV shows and movies. Replay is more commonly used in sports and entertainment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between replay and rerun?
Both replay and rerun are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.