recuperate

verb re·cu·per·ate \ ri-ˈkü-pə-ˌrāt , -ˈkyü- \

Updated on: 30 Nov 2017

Definition of recuperate

recuperated; recuperating

transitive verb

1 : to get back : regain

2 : to bring back into use or currency : revive

recuperate old traditions

intransitive verb

: to regain a former state or condition; especially : to recover health or strength

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recuperation

play \ri-ˌkü-pə-ˈrā-shən, -ˌkyü-\ noun

See recuperate defined for English-language learners

See recuperate defined for kids

Examples of recuperate in a Sentence

She took a day off to recuperate.
half the office was out today, many employees being sick or recuperating from the flu

Recent Examples of recuperate from the Web

Nearly 280 bird species flock here to recuperate during their migratory trips north and south.

— carrie blackmore smith, Cincinnati.com, "Mission accomplished: land, where Ohio and Great Miami rivers meet, now protected," 20 Oct. 2017
That would have given him almost 10 months to rest, recuperate and rehabilitate before the 2016 season opener.

— gregg doyel, Indianapolis Star, "Doyel: Incompetent Colts engaged in 3 seasons of wishful thinking about Andrew Luck," 2 Nov. 2017
Therefore, sleeping on bedding with these fibers is an easy and comfortable way to recuperate from an intense workout.

— CNN Underscored, "Meet the mattress made specifically for athletes," 31 Oct. 2017
After producing movies, Bob often takes several weeks off to recuperate at a spa, said a former Weinstein Co. employee, whereas Harvey immediately moves on to the next project.

— ben fritz, WSJ, "As Its Namesake Founder Becomes a Liability, Weinstein Co. Weighs Name Change," 9 Oct. 2017
Los Angeles schools chief Michelle King is recuperating from surgery and has appointed a subordinate to run the school system in her stead.

— howard blume, latimes.com, "L.A. Unified Supt. Michelle King on medical leave," 9 Oct. 2017
His office said he was recently treated for a urological issue and is currently recuperating in Mississippi.

— phil mattingly, CNN, "Trump vows GOP will continue efforts to repeal Obamacare," 27 Sep. 2017
Currently, the entirety of Puerto Rico is without power, and may not recuperate for months.

— allison stubblebine, Billboard, "Marc Anthony Urges People to Donate to Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Efforts: Exclusive," 21 Sep. 2017
The Flip or Flop host opened up yesterday about one of the hardest things he's ever done: recuperate from two forms of cancer and a debilitating back injury in short succession.

— caroline picard, Good Housekeeping, "Tarek El Moussa Posts Emotional Photo From "One of the Absolute Lowest Points of My Life"," 20 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'recuperate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of recuperate

Latin recuperatus, past participle of recuperare — more at recover

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1542

See Words from the same year

recuperate Synonyms

Synonyms

come back, gain, heal, mend, pull round [chiefly British], rally, recoup, recover, convalesce, snap back

Related Words

come around, come round, come to, improve, pick up, revive; cheer (up), perk (up); pull through, survive; recruit

Near Antonyms

ail, collapse, come down, sicken; decline, degenerate, deteriorate, fade, fail, languish, sink, waste (away), weaken, wilt, wither, worsen; regress, relapse

RECUPERATE Defined for English Language Learners

recuperate

verb

Definition of recuperate for English Language Learners

: to return to normal health or strength after being sick, injured, etc.
: to get back (money that has been spent, invested, lost, etc.)

RECUPERATE Defined for Kids

recuperate

verb re·cu·per·ate \ ri-ˈkü-pə-ˌrāt , -ˈkyü- \

Definition of recuperate for Students

recuperated; recuperating

: to regain health or strength

Medical Dictionary

recuperate

verb re·cu·per·ate \ ri-ˈk(y)ü-pə-ˌrāt \

medical Definition of recuperate

recuperated; recuperating

transitive verb

: to get back or recover

recuperating health and strength after pneumonia

intransitive verb

: to recover health or strength

time to recuperate after major surgery

Learn More about recuperate

See words that rhyme with recuperate Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for recuperate Spanish Central: Translation of recuperate Nglish: Translation of recuperate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of recuperate for Arabic speakers

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RECUPERATE Defined for English Language Learners

recuperate

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recuperate

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recuperate

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